President Donald Trump’s recent remarks suggesting the United States “shouldn’t even have an election” in light of his administration’s accomplishments prompted a response from the White House press secretary on January 15. The comment, made during a closed-door interview with Reuters in which Trump addressed polling data and the forthcoming 2026 midterm elections, drew widespread attention for its unconventional characterization of electoral necessity.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the president was speaking “facetiously” and that his broader intention was to highlight the administration’s record of successes rather than to cast doubt on democratic processes.

Trump’s original remarks came as he discussed polling trends indicating potential Republican losses in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, noting the historical tendency for the party in power to lose seats during midterm elections.

“It’s some deep psychological thing,” he said, before adding that the achievements of his administration led him to quip that “when you think of it, we shouldn’t even have an election.” Responding to questions from reporters, Leavitt stressed that Trump’s tone was jocular and that he was conveying confidence in continued governance, emphasising the stable trajectory of the economy, national security measures, and legislative priorities under his leadership.

Leavitt asserted that she was present during the interview and that the comment should be understood in context.

She said the president’s remarks reflected pride in what he described as effective and widely appreciated policies, framing the suggestion not as a challenge to the constitutional requirement for elections, but as an expression of satisfaction with his team’s accomplishments.

The press secretary reiterated support for regular electoral processes, affirming that the administration respects the constitutional foundation of American democracy even as it champions its policy record.

The exchange underscores the political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterms, with Republican leaders facing the prospect of losing control of one or both chambers of Congress.

Trump and senior aides have sought to spotlight economic indicators they view as positive, from job growth to inflation trends, as evidence of successful governance.

Leavitt’s comments echo that strategy by reinforcing the administration’s narrative of achievement, while clarifying that the president’s off-hand remarks were not intended to undermine the electoral calendar.

Amid these dynamics, the White House continues to engage with lawmakers and the public on policy goals and campaign messaging, emphasising confidence in American institutions and the benefits of sustained executive leadership.