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Riverside Today
By the People, for the People
Pressure Mounts on Trump, GOP Ahead of Midterms
Republicans face rising concerns about their legislative agenda and Trump's handling of key issues as midterm elections approach
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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President Trump and congressional Republicans are facing increasing pressure as they approach the fast-approaching midterm elections, which could see the party lose its unified control of Washington. Republicans have expressed concerns that the party isn't doing enough to address voter concerns about affordability, and some have discussed the possibility of pursuing another reconciliation bill, but Trump has brushed off the idea. Trump's support has also eroded on issues like immigration, and the party is contending with a funding gap for the Department of Homeland Security. The election handicapper Cook Political Report considers Republicans to be a slight favorite for keeping their majority in the Senate, but the House is seen as a toss-up, with Democrats leading in most polls of the generic congressional ballot.
Why it matters
The midterm elections will be a crucial test for Trump and the Republican Party, with control of Congress at stake. The party's performance could have significant implications for the remainder of Trump's term and the 2024 presidential election. The pressure on Republicans to avoid losses in Congress is heightened by Trump's continued focus on issues of election integrity and voter ID advocacy, which could further divide the party and alienate some voters.
The details
Some Republicans have discussed the possibility of pursuing another party-line reconciliation bill to follow up on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act from last year, but Trump brushed off the idea in an interview, saying 'we've gotten everything passed that we need.' This has led to concerns from some in the GOP that the party doesn't have an ambitious enough legislative agenda to bring down costs for voters. Trump has also faced headwinds on his handling of the economy, and his support on issues like immigration has eroded, with 60% of respondents in an NBC News poll saying they strongly or somewhat disapprove of how he has handled border security and immigration. The funding gap for the Department of Homeland Security that began on Saturday could also impact the public's perception of the administration's performance.
- The first primaries of the midterms are a little more than two weeks away.
- The funding gap for the Department of Homeland Security began at midnight on Saturday.
The players
President Trump
The current president who is facing pressure ahead of the midterm elections.
Congressional Republicans
Members of the Republican Party in Congress who are facing pressure along with President Trump.
Sen. John Kennedy
A Republican senator from Louisiana who has expressed concerns about the GOP's legislative agenda.
The Cook Political Report
An election handicapper that considers Republicans to be a slight favorite for keeping their majority in the Senate, but sees the House as a toss-up.
Tulsi Gabbard
The Director of National Intelligence who was present during a search of an elections office in Fulton County, Georgia.
What they’re saying
“We're not going to win the midterm by going to the American people and saying, 'Look, we passed 11 out of 12 appropriations bills and we confirmed all of President Trump's nominees.'”
— Sen. John Kennedy, Republican Senator from Louisiana (The Hill)
“There will be Voter I.D. for the Midterm Elections, whether approved by Congress or not!”
— President Trump (Truth Social)
“Republicans must put this at the top of every speech — It is a CAN'T MISS FOR RE-ELECTION IN THE MIDTERMS, AND BEYOND!”
— President Trump (Truth Social)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
