With newly split congress, Trump urges Republicans, Democrats to 'work together'

US president praises Democratic leader and likely next speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi; hopes for cooperation on economic growth, infrastructure, trade

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump expressed hope Wednesday that Republicans and Democrats can “work together” after midterm elections that left the lower house of Congress under Democratic control.

Trump also praised Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic leader and likely next speaker of the House of Representatives, saying he gave her “a great deal of credit” and extending an olive branch of sorts.

“Hopefully we can all work together next year to continue delivering for the American people. Including on economic growth, infrastructure, trade, lowering the cost of prescription drugs,” he said at a White House news conference.

“Maybe we will make a deal, maybe we won’t. That is possible. But we have a lot of things in common on infrastructure. We want to do something on healthcare, they want to do something on healthcare. There are a lot of great things that we can do together,” he said.

However, Trump warned if House Dems flood him with subpoenas, “we’re going to do the same thing” and government will come to a halt.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of Calif., smiles as she is cheered by a crowd of Democratic supporters during an election night returns event at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, in Washington, November 6, 2018. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

Speaking of the election results Trump said “It was a big day yesterday, an incredible day.”

“And last night… the Republican Party defied history to expand our Senate majority while significantly beating expectations in the House.”

Trump crowed that Republicans held control of the Senate and then took aim at members of the House, where the GOP lost.

Rep. Mike Coffman in Colorado blamed his loss on resentment toward Trump in his Denver-area district. The president responded: “Too bad, Mike.”

As for Utah Rep. Mia Love’s loss Tuesday, Trump said: “Mia Love gave me no love, and she lost,” adding, “Sorry about that, Mia.”

Trump said his vigorous campaigning stopped a so-called “blue wave…if there ever was such a thing.”

Republican US Rep. Mia Love greets supporters during an election night party in Lehi, Utah, November 6, 2018. (Rick Bowmer/AP)

The GOP is expected to add to its Senate edge, but Democrats regained control of the House. The mixed verdict in the first nationwide election of Trump’s presidency showed the limits of his hardline immigration rhetoric in today’s political landscape.

Midterm losses are typical for the party in the White House. Trump stressed the anticipated Republican pickups in the Senate and said the GOP had surpassed expectations in the House, citing the high number of retirements.