Republican Senator John Kennedy has lashed out at his own party following its crushing defeat in the US midterm elections, calling Republicans "stupid" as questions mount over Donald Trump's leadership and the GOP's political strategy. The Louisiana senator's unusually sharp criticism comes as Democrats gain ground and Republicans face growing internal pressure to explain their electoral losses. Kennedy's remarks have fuelled debate over whether his anger is also directed at Trump, whose administration has faced mounting criticism over the Iran war and domestic priorities. Is the Republican Party turning on its own leadership after the midterm rout, or is Kennedy's outburst a warning that the GOP must change course?