Kevin McCarthy: Trump’s ‘Early’ Payoff Unlikely as GOP Strategizes for Midterms
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy discusses midterm elections and President Donald Trump’s foreign policy achievements on ‘Kudlow.’
On a recent episode of “Kudlow”, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy shared insights on why President Donald Trump may not receive immediate recognition for his foreign policy accomplishments.
“The actions President Trump is taking regarding Venezuela, Cuba, and even issues surrounding Ukraine and Iran are significant and transformative,” McCarthy stated during his conversation with FOX Business. “However, history shows that you don’t get rewarded early for these efforts.”
During the discussion, McCarthy emphasized the need for Republicans to strategize effectively for the upcoming midterm elections. He pointed out that historical trends often favor Democrats in the election cycle that follows a Republican president’s victory.
HEALTHCARE, ECONOMY AND THE ‘ONE BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL’: WELCOME TO THE MIDTERMS
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy walks on the South Lawn of the White House before boarding Marine One in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
McCarthy highlighted that significant political or global achievements do not always translate into immediate electoral success. He referenced past elections, noting, “Reagan faced challenges during his reelection, not personally, but in Congress. He later made a strong comeback.” He emphasized that the timing of public sentiment regarding the economy will play a crucial role.
U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during the APEC CEO Summit at the Gyeongju Arts Center on October 29, 2025 in Gyeongju, South Korea. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images / Getty Images)
He also referenced former President George H.W. Bush’s defeat in his reelection bid following the fall of the Berlin Wall, illustrating that even monumental events do not guarantee electoral success.
ELON MUSK REPORTEDLY BEGINS FUNDING REPUBLICANS FOR 2026 MIDTERMS
With these lessons in mind, the former California lawmaker outlined strategies for Republicans to enhance their prospects in the upcoming midterms. He urged GOP leaders to “celebrate” their political victories and leverage issues that could be detrimental to Democrats, such as the fraud allegations affecting Minnesota and other blue states.
Quality Learning Center in Minnesota was found at the center of an alleged childcare fraud scandal in the state. The signage had a typo. (Madelin Fuerste / Fox News Channel / Fox News)
“I would hold hearings every single day about Minnesota, because it’s not just Minnesota; similar issues are occurring in California and Illinois,” McCarthy asserted.
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy weighs in on California’s political leadership during an appearance on ‘Mornings with Maria.’
He suggested taking President Trump to the border for a celebration, inviting mayors from predominantly Hispanic small cities to share how their communities have transformed due to reduced crime rates.
“Securing the border was something Democrats claimed they could never achieve, yet Trump accomplished it swiftly,” McCarthy noted.
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Ultimately, McCarthy emphasized that the results of the 2026 midterms will largely depend on domestic factors, particularly the state of the economy.
“A lot of this will hinge on where the economy stands,” he concluded.
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy discusses midterm elections and President Donald Trump’s foreign policy achievements on ‘Kudlow.’
On a recent episode of “Kudlow”, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy shared insights on why President Donald Trump may not receive immediate recognition for his foreign policy accomplishments.
“The actions President Trump is taking regarding Venezuela, Cuba, and even issues surrounding Ukraine and Iran are significant and transformative,” McCarthy stated during his conversation with FOX Business. “However, history shows that you don’t get rewarded early for these efforts.”
During the discussion, McCarthy emphasized the need for Republicans to strategize effectively for the upcoming midterm elections. He pointed out that historical trends often favor Democrats in the election cycle that follows a Republican president’s victory.
HEALTHCARE, ECONOMY AND THE ‘ONE BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL’: WELCOME TO THE MIDTERMS
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy walks on the South Lawn of the White House before boarding Marine One in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
McCarthy highlighted that significant political or global achievements do not always translate into immediate electoral success. He referenced past elections, noting, “Reagan faced challenges during his reelection, not personally, but in Congress. He later made a strong comeback.” He emphasized that the timing of public sentiment regarding the economy will play a crucial role.
U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during the APEC CEO Summit at the Gyeongju Arts Center on October 29, 2025 in Gyeongju, South Korea. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images / Getty Images)
He also referenced former President George H.W. Bush’s defeat in his reelection bid following the fall of the Berlin Wall, illustrating that even monumental events do not guarantee electoral success.
ELON MUSK REPORTEDLY BEGINS FUNDING REPUBLICANS FOR 2026 MIDTERMS
With these lessons in mind, the former California lawmaker outlined strategies for Republicans to enhance their prospects in the upcoming midterms. He urged GOP leaders to “celebrate” their political victories and leverage issues that could be detrimental to Democrats, such as the fraud allegations affecting Minnesota and other blue states.
Quality Learning Center in Minnesota was found at the center of an alleged childcare fraud scandal in the state. The signage had a typo. (Madelin Fuerste / Fox News Channel / Fox News)
“I would hold hearings every single day about Minnesota, because it’s not just Minnesota; similar issues are occurring in California and Illinois,” McCarthy asserted.
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy weighs in on California’s political leadership during an appearance on ‘Mornings with Maria.’
He suggested taking President Trump to the border for a celebration, inviting mayors from predominantly Hispanic small cities to share how their communities have transformed due to reduced crime rates.
“Securing the border was something Democrats claimed they could never achieve, yet Trump accomplished it swiftly,” McCarthy noted.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Ultimately, McCarthy emphasized that the results of the 2026 midterms will largely depend on domestic factors, particularly the state of the economy.
“A lot of this will hinge on where the economy stands,” he concluded.
