The White House has issued a defiant message following a crushing performance by Republicans in the US midterm elections, declaring that Donald Trump remains president despite significant gains by the Democrats.

In a post on X on Wednesday, the White House shared an image of Trump bearing the words: “TRUMP IS STILL YOUR PRESIDENT.” The accompanying message added: “Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

The statement came after Democrats secured a Senate majority and made major gains in traditionally Republican strongholds, including Texas, Kansas, South Carolina and Ohio.

The midterm elections, which determine control of Congress, were widely viewed as a referendum on Trump’s presidency. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 Senate seats were contested.

The war in Iran and mounting cost-of-living pressures were among the issues believed to have contributed to the Republican setbacks.

Trump acknowledged that the conflict with Iran had affected the election results, particularly through its impact on fuel prices, but defended his decision to pursue the war.

Speaking to Politico, he said the conflict had pushed gasoline prices higher in the short term, but maintained that military action was necessary in the long run.

Iranian officials welcomed the election outcome. Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf wrote on X that American voters had rejected war, saying: “Conscience or the cost of living, Americans said NO TO WAR.”

Trump also reflected on his campaign rallies, saying the enthusiasm surrounding his appearances had failed to translate into support for Republican candidates.

“They just couldn’t transfer that love,” he said.

Although Trump indicated he was prepared to work with Democrats, he warned that political gridlock could follow, threatening to use his presidential veto to block their legislative agenda.

Afghanistan’s under-18 futsal team suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Argentina in their second Group A match at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games on Wednesday.

Argentina secured victory with a dramatic late goal from Valentino Martínez in the final minute, ending Afghanistan’s hopes of taking points from the closely contested encounter at the Iba Mar Diop Complex in Dakar, Senegal.

The South American side took the lead through an unfortunate own goal by Afghanistan goalkeeper and captain Ahmad Esmaeili. However, Afghanistan responded strongly, with Ali Ahmadi finding the equaliser in the 18th minute to send the teams into the break level at 1-1.

Afghanistan defended resolutely throughout the second half, with Esmaeili producing important saves to keep Argentina at bay as the contest remained finely balanced.

Just as the match appeared to be heading towards extra time, Martínez struck again to secure all three points for Argentina.

The result leaves Afghanistan with three points from two matches in Group A, following an impressive 5-0 victory over Panama in their opening fixture.

Argentina, meanwhile, moved to six points and secured qualification for the semi-finals.

Afghanistan will now turn their attention to their final group match against hosts Senegal on Saturday, November 7, with a place in the knockout stages still at stake.

The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for November 9.