The Latest: Trump focuses on beautifying Washington as Republicans reckon with midterm losses

Houston Chronicle · The Associated Press · 2026-11-06 01:03 UTC

President Donald Trump seems more concerned with his Washington beautification projects than his party’s midterm election wipeout. Trump signed a proclamation on Thursday that he said will prevent future changes to the Oval Office and Cabinet Room, both of which he redesigned. It’s the third day this week that the president has delivered remarks fixated on his construction pet projects, including a White House ballroom and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Meanwhile a handful of remaining Senate and House races, still to be called by The Associated Press, will determine the strength of Democrats’ majority in Congress. Senate contests in Alaska and Mississippi have narrow margins with votes still outstanding, even as the scale of Democrats’ victory across the country comes into focus. There are still dozens of House races that have not yet been called.

Democrats in Texas took control of the state House for the first time since 2002, though Republicans will maintain control of the state Senate. In this year’s midterm elections, Democrats have taken full control — both statehouse chambers and governors’ offices — in at least five states where they previously shared power.

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