The battle for the day after Trump has begun – and 3 senior officials are already pulling out knives

The severe defeat of the Republicans in the US midterm elections ignited an internal struggle over the future of the party and the presidential candidate for 2028. Vance, Cruz, and DeSantis presented different analyses of the loss, and commentators assess that the race for Trump's political succession has already begun.

The severe defeat of the Republican Party in the US midterm elections ignited an internal struggle over its future and the identity of the presidential candidate for 2028. Vice President JD Vance blamed the war in Iran, Senator Ted Cruz declared a 'blue tsunami,' and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warned of damage that would last a decade. While the three senior officials present different explanations for the collapse, commentators and Republican donors assess that the battle for Trump's political succession has already begun. The article quotes the reactions of Vance, Cruz, and DeSantis, as well as President Trump's response, who did not rush to confront his deputy. It also includes remarks by Republican strategist David Kochel, who assessed that the party will have to undergo a prolonged process of self-examination.