Trump questions midterm election results, revives voting-machine conspiracy

Donald Trump questioned the legitimacy of the US midterm election results, reviving claims about voting machines and early vote counts after Republicans suffered major defeats. His comments matter because they mark a shift from his earlier statements that he would accept the results and work with Democrats, who regained control of both chambers of Congress.

Trump said on Truth Social that polling had been wrong and alleged that large early-voting “dumps” made it impossible to win, without providing evidence. Republicans lost in several traditionally strong areas, including Texas and South Carolina. Trump had said on election night that he was willing to accept the results; Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer criticised his return to election denialism.