Trump says Iran war 'largely' explains Republican losses; Speaker Johnson won't lead House GOP next year

Trump, speaking at the White House ballroom construction site in his first public appearance after the election, said the war "drove the gasoline up a little bit short term," according to NBC News. He said he expects to get along with Democrats "unless they want to be destructive," adding that he has veto power, Reuters reported.

Vance wrote on social media that "the reason we lost is the war," Reuters reported. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he would not lead House Republicans next year, and Trump said he would stay out of the race to choose their new leader, according to Reuters and NBC News.

Why it matters: With divided government starting in January, House Republicans are choosing new leadership while the White House and congressional Democrats set out their positions.