Trump ally in the dog house amid blame for humiliating loss to Democrats

A top ally of President Donald Trump with national aspirations is now reportedly on the outs with the administration, according to Politico, amid reports that he is catching blame for a humiliating recent GOP loss to the Democrats in his home state.Glenn Youngkin is the former Republican governor of Virginia, and a figure within the party that some have long tipped for bigger roles, including possible positions in the Trump administration and even a future presidential run. Those ambitions have been bruised considerably in the last year, after Democrats swept into power in his state by strong margins in the 2025 elections, and now, after a referendum to redraw the state’s congressional map to favor Democrats was passed by voters.In the wake of that embarrassing gerrymandering loss, Politico reported on Friday that the White House has grown “frustrated” with Youngkin, echoing complaints from the Virginia GOP that he has not been doing enough to avert these results. “The West Wing thinks Youngkin should have done more in Virginia,” an anonymous White House official told the official.The outlet noted that while Youngkin was previously considered for positions like DHS Secretary, that door now appears to be shut for him.”He doesn’t have enough friends here,” the official added.Another anonymous source close to the White House went further, arguing that Youngkin actively left the door open for the referendum in the first place.”Look, there’s plenty of blame to go around. But if Youngkin hadn’t left the special session open, Louise Lucas would never have had the chance to ram through those maps,” the source explained, referring to the Democratic state senator who helped push for the redistricting movement. “So he has some responsibility for losing these seats.”A second anonymous White House official also brought up frustrations with Youngkin’s perceived missteps during the 2025 races, including his support for his “terrible” lieutenant governor, who became the GOP gubernatorial nominee and lost decisively to Democrat Abigail Spanberger. “It started with him clearing the primary for [Lt. Gov.] Winsome [Earle-Sears], who was a terrible candidate,”the official said. “She was his person and she got smoked. Everyone warned him and he didn’t listen.”

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