GOP insiders describe a bleak, defeat-focused mood at private midterm gathering

a reporter at one outlet returned from illness to attend the GOP’s unprecedented midterm convention and a subsequent private party hosted by Donald Trump Jr. at The Rustic bar in Dallas. Although the atmosphere seemed festive, Palmeri heard operatives describing a looming catastrophe, predicting a Senate wipeout and urging each other to obtain lawyers for possible impeachment. One attendee called the situation a "tsunami" and dismissed optimism about holding the Senate.

Another participant questioned the purpose of the gathering, noting that the party had known about the likely loss for two months. The conversation also turned to JD Vance, with insiders questioning whether his recent fundraiser at the Hamptons home of Omeed Malik, a partner in the 1789 investment fund linked to Trump Jr., signaled growing cronyism within the GOP.