Trump's speech aimed at rallying GOP lawmakers

President Trump on Tuesday defended his actions during the Capitol attack five years ago, joked about being liberal-minded to win the votes of transgender people and mocked a predecessor's use of a wheelchair while delivering a meandering speech to House Republicans as the party enters a crucial election year facing a razor-thin majority in the House.

- BY SEUNG MIN KIM AND DARLENE SUPERVILLE

The remarks were intended to ensure both the GOP’s executive and legislative wings are aligned on their agenda heading into the November midterms that will determine party control of Congress. But Trump spent more time rehashing past grievances during the lengthy appearance than he did talking about the capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro or specific steps he’s taking to bring down prices as polls say inflation is the public’s top concern.

He also did not discuss new policy initiatives or legislation on his agenda for the year.

“We won every swing state. We won the popular vote by millions. We won everything,” Trump said, recounting his performance in the 2024 presidential election while seeming to acknowledge that history will side with the Democratic Party in November.

“But they say that when you win the presidency, you lose the midterm,” he said.

Political trends show that the party that wins the White House usually loses seats in Congress during the midterm elections two years later.