Trump and his Christian allies remain upbeat despite losing House
He may have lost the House in the heated midterms but Donald Trump is declaring Tuesday's election outcome a 'big win' despite losing the House of Representatives.
Trump took to Twitter the morning after to declare that the Republicans had done well despite the Democrats gaining control of the House.
He also took a stab at Republicans who lost their seats, claiming defeat had come to those who did not embrace his politics during the last two years.
'Those that worked with me in this incredible Midterm Election, embracing certain policies and principles, did very well. Those that did not, say goodbye! Yesterday was such a very Big Win, and all under the pressure of a Nasty and Hostile Media!' he tweeted.
One of his biggest evangelical supporters, Pastor Robert Jeffress, was similarly upbeat, declaring that the midterm results will only increase President Trump's margin of victory in the 2020 presidential elections.
Jeffress, who is pastor of the 13,000-member First Baptist Church of Dallas, said the results of Tuesday's elections 'do not negate' Trump's continued popularity with evangelical Christians.
'Historically, first-term presidents lose House seats in a midterm election because those who oppose a president's policies are more motivated to vote than those who approve of a president's policies,' he said.
'President Clinton lost more than 50 seats and President Obama more than 60 seats in their first midterm elections — yet both men went on to win second terms. I am confident the same will happen with President Trump,' he said.
'I predict that losing the House will actually increase the margin by which President Trump wins re-election in 2020.
'Running against the House 'leadership' of Nancy Pelosi and Maxine Waters will be a gift that keeps on giving for the next two years.'
Pelosi is the favorite to become the next Speaker of the House and Trump tweeted his support, even saying he would help secure some Republican votes.
'In all fairness, Nancy Pelosi deserves to be chosen Speaker of the House by the Democrats. If they give her a hard time, perhaps we will add some Republican votes. She has earned this great honor!' he tweeted.
An NBC News exit poll found that support for Republicans among white evangelical Christians and particularly white evangelical women remains strong.
Among voters nationwide, 57% of white evangelical women said they 'strongly approve' of Trump and 17% 'somewhat approve', far outweighing those who 'strongly disapprove' (20%) and 'somewhat disapprove (6%).
According to an ABC News exit poll, white evangelical Christians accounted for 27% of the voters on Tuesday and are one of the most Republican groups, voting 83-16 percent for House candidates in 2016, and 78-21 percent in 2014.
Pro-lifers were also pleased with the outcome after the election of several new senators who are opposed to abortion. The New York Times predicts that the elections of Josh Hawley in Missouri, Mike Braun in Indiana and Kevin Cramer in North Dakota will make it easier for the Senate to confirm judges who are opposed to Roe vs Wade.
Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of pro-life group the Susan B. Anthony List, told the newspaper the elections were 'a good night for life'.