Trump's first comment on the midterm results: If my name had been on the ballot, the result would have been different

President Donald Trump said in his first comment on the U.S. midterm elections, in which Democrats were leading in congressional races, that he was not on the ballot and that Republicans would have won by a large margin if he had been. The remark came as control of Congress hung in the balance, with Democrats ahead in key races. Trump's statement signals he intends to frame the outcome as a personal omission rather than a verdict on his party. Markets and analysts will watch whether the final seat tally leaves divided government, which would constrain legislation on taxes and spending. Attention now turns to the remaining uncalled races and how party leaders position themselves for the next legislative session.