
The most loyal MAGA disciples stick with the president, while other Republicans keep their distance. Vice Vance is trying to do both: criticize and flatter Trump.
AI-generated summary
After the 2026 midterm elections, the Republican Party faces the challenge of redefining its political direction.
Midterm election fiasco Can Republicans break away from Trump?
The most loyal MAGA disciples stick with the president, while other Republicans keep their distance. Vice Vance is trying to do both: criticize and flatter Trump. For now he seems to be succeeding.
An analysis by Alexander Sarovic, Washington

Trump is demanding that Republican incumbent Dan S. Sullivan be credited with votes from the candidate of the same name, Dan J. Sullivan, in order to ensure his victory in Alaska. According to the AP, Democrat Mary Peltola is only 0.3 percentage points ahead of him.

Bavaria's Economics Minister and Free Voters leader Hubert Aiwanger was found dead in a Berlin hotel room at the age of 55. According to the Berlin Public Prosecutor's Office, the preliminary autopsy revealed no foul play. Further forensic examinations are still pending. Markus Söder announced that he would continue coalition politics with the Free Voters and ordered mourning flags. State Secretary Tobias Gotthardt will initially take over the Ministry of Economics.
In 2025, Germany transferred more than half a billion euros in child benefit to foreign accounts, primarily to Poland, the Czech Republic and Romania. The number of recipients has almost tripled since 2011. The BSW is calling for a stop to payments for children outside Germany.

US President Donald Trump is calling for a change in the procedure in favor of the Republican candidate Dan S. Sullivan in the ongoing vote counting of the US senatorial election in Alaska. Votes for namesake Dan J. Sullivan should be attributed to the “real” Dan Sullivan. The race between incumbent Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola is extremely close, with Peltola leading by 0.3 percentage points.

Chancellor Merz argues for economic adjustment processes, open markets and entrepreneurial freedom. He sees a role for the state in social cushioning, securing critical raw materials and the energy transition, which should become more market-oriented.

Jochen Flasbarth defends the climate policy of the black-red coalition, explains his move to the European Climate Foundation at the beginning of 2027 and rejects allegations from lobby control. He emphasizes the need to maintain the 1.5 degree course and sees e-mobility as a central future technology.