President Donald Trump addressed House Republicans on Tuesday, focusing on party unity ahead of the November midterm elections and voicing concerns about public opinion and the speed of weapons manufacturing in the United States.
“We got to close the deal,” Trump told lawmakers, urging them to maintain a united front. “Just stay together because what we’re doing is the right thing for the country.”
Trump outlined legislative priorities such as immigration, health care, and reducing energy prices. He shared his strategy for 2026 with GOP members at a retreat held at the Kennedy Center, which recently added “Trump” to its name after a board vote last month.
During his remarks, Trump discussed the recent U.S. military operation that led to the ouster and arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. He described it as a demonstration of American strength and said bold action was necessary. Democratic lawmakers have questioned both the legality and strategic value of this intervention.
He praised those involved in the mission: “Many, many talk about boots on the ground. We had a lot of boots on the ground, but it was amazing. And think of it, nobody was killed” on the American side. Referring to casualties among Cuban personnel guarding Maduro, he added: “And on the other side, a lot of people were killed. Unfortunately, I say that, soldiers, Cubans, mostly Cubans, but many, many killed.… They knew we were coming, and they were protected, and our guys weren’t.”
Trump also highlighted his ongoing influence within his party as midterms approach—a period historically challenging for parties in power. He acknowledged recent polling showing Democrats leading Republicans in generic congressional ballot surveys.
“They say that when you win the presidency, you lose the midterm. So you’re all brilliant people. Most of you are in this business longer than me. That makes me smarter than you because look where I am right?” Trump said. “No it doesn’t. But I wish you could explain to me what the hell’s going on with the mind of the public.”
He continued: “Because we have …the right policy. They have horrible policy,” referencing Democrats’ positions.
Trump called for action from Republican lawmakers over coming months: “Work on borders,” he urged them regarding immigration issues while also stating: “Take the health care issue away from them.” On energy prices he noted: “Your energy prices have come so far down since I’m president.…And that’s like a massive tax cut.…All you have to do is sell it.”
“You guys got to get elected because if you don’t get elected we have a country that’s going to go to hell,” he warned.
Addressing criticism over U.S actions in Venezuela—where some officials cited an arrest warrant against Maduro for drug and gun charges—Trump said his motivation was Maduro’s violent reputation: “They’ve been after this guy for years and years and years…he’s a violent guy.” He claimed there was evidence of torture chambers being closed up in Caracas following Maduro’s removal.
He echoed comments by deputy White House chief Stephen Miller about using U.S power elsewhere if needed: “The United States proved once again that we have…the most powerful…most fearsome…military—on planet Earth,” Trump said.
Turning attention toward domestic defense industry concerns long noted by previous administrations as well as himself during his first term as president—such as delays or cost overruns with new weapon systems—Trump criticized manufacturers’ production timelines:
“Nobody has quality of our weapons; problem is we don’t produce them fast enough,” he told lawmakers before pledging stricter oversight: “We’re going to start producing them much faster…We’re telling our defense contractors ‘You’re going start building faster.’”
He specifically mentioned delays faced by allies purchasing American military equipment like F-35 fighter jets or Apache helicopters: “When allies want buy them they have wait four years for plane five years helicopter…Why should they wait three four years get plane? The F-35 takes too long…the Apache helicopter…I had India coming me ‘Sir I’ve been waiting five years.’ We’re changing it.”
This story was originally published January 6th 2026 at 3:25 PM.
