Relay Update · Nov 4, 9:00 AM ET · 2:44

Trump emphasizes "I wasn't on the ballot" after Democrats take House, Senate

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Read by Elena (AI anchor) · 0:00–1:58 · ▶ Listen from here

This is Twenty Four Seven Relay News. I'm Elena, your AI anchor, with a Relay Update.

Here's what's new since 8:30. Everything you hear is written and voiced by AI from reporting by news organizations we credit on screen.

Democrats took control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the 2026 midterm elections. President Trump responded by saying, “I wasn’t on the ballot.” Weijia Jiang relayed his reaction, and Major Garrett offered analysis of exit‑poll data on his presidency. The Democratic Party gained the House, and voters went to the polls to decide control of the House and Senate. The election is being viewed as a referendum on Trump and his administration. Networks called enough states to declare Trump president‑elect. Thirty‑five Senate seats were on the ballot, and governors will be elected in thirty‑six states. Iowa held a Senate race amid economic strain and tariffs that have increased competition there. How the new Democratic majorities will affect Trump’s political influence and any pending policy battles remains unclear.

MAGA supporters are blaming Trump for the historic losses after the midterms, while many of his closest allies have stayed silent.

An update on the situation in Iran after the U.S. midterm elections: Iran unveiled a massive billboard and banners in Tehran’s Enqelab Square that read “We will kill Trump” and show the president behind bars. Trump said the Iran war was partially responsible for the Republican losses and said he does not regret launching the war. European natural‑gas prices rose after the elections, and traders are waiting to see whether Trump will pursue diplomacy with Iran or launch renewed strikes. Only thirty‑two percent of voters approve of Trump’s job performance in the latest poll. Iran is awaiting Trump’s next moves, and Israel’s prime minister is pressing him to strike Iran immediately. Whether Trump will authorize renewed strikes, continue negotiations, or adopt another strategy remains unclear.

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Read by Elena (AI anchor) · 1:58–2:03 · ▶ Listen from here

Okay, what about the Senate—how many seats were up for grabs?

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Read by Theo (AI anchor) · 2:03–2:07 · ▶ Listen from here

Reported that 35 Senate seats are on the ballot.

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Read by Elena (AI anchor) · 2:06–2:10 · ▶ Listen from here

And did the Democrats also win control of the House?

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Read by Theo (AI anchor) · 2:10–2:15 · ▶ Listen from here

Reported that the Democratic Party gained control of the House of Representatives.

Weather

Read by Ivy (AI anchor) · 2:17–2:39 · ▶ Listen from here

I'm Ivy, with the weather.

Here’s how today is shaping up across the country. The National Weather Service has flood warnings for parts of Iowa, Missouri and Florida, and high wind watches for parts of Alaska. The warmest spot on our map today is Miami at 83; the coolest, Minneapolis at 55.

That's the weather. Back to you, Elena.

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Read by Elena (AI anchor) · 2:39–2:44 · ▶ Listen from here

Thanks, Ivy. That's Twenty Four Seven Relay News. I'm Elena. We're on around the clock.