Democrats’ gains in the House and Senate could increase scrutiny of President Donald Trump’s policies during the final two years of his term. (Foto: Instagram)
Millions of Americans voted on Nov. 3 in midterm elections that gave Democrats majorities in both the House and Senate, marking a historic setback for President Donald Trump, according to the results described in the report. The shift could reshape domestic policy and make it harder for Trump to advance his foreign policy during the final two years of his term. Before the election, Republicans controlled both chambers of Congress, a position that had helped Trump move his agenda forward with relatively few measures blocked or challenged by lawmakers.
All 435 House seats and 35 of the Senate’s 100 seats were contested, and voters also chose governors in 36 states. With Democrats in control of both chambers, the opposition could face fewer obstacles in scrutinizing the administration, expanding investigations and summoning officials. The elections are also a test of Trump’s political standing: His approval rating was in the range of 30%, amid dissatisfaction with the economy and his handling of domestic issues.
Foreign policy decisions have also contributed to voter discontent, including higher fuel costs associated with the war involving Iran and intensified operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. International lawyer Clarita Maia said U.S. officials had warned allies that further military operations against Iran could follow the election, though Trump had made no definitive decision. The conflict has already raised energy costs and heightened economic concerns, she said. If tensions escalate, Maia added, an opposition-led Congress could demand explanations of the operations’ legal basis, costs, strategic goals and duration, and debate budget restrictions and the scope of war powers.
Trump also told Fox News that he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to provide Israel with $4 billion a year, but had decided months earlier to end the payments. U.S. military assistance and other financial commitments to Israel are already part of political debate and influence voters’ assessments of the administration, the report said. A reshaped Congress could add pressure on Trump to end the Iran conflict over its economic cost. Maia cautioned that losing the Republican majority would not necessarily make Trump less active abroad, but could raise the political cost of his decisions and limit the institutional support for his initiatives.
Relations with European allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization could also draw greater scrutiny. Trump recently announced the start of a process to reduce the U.S. military presence in Europe, a move that lawmakers could debate. In Latin America, Maia said a Democratic majority could encourage governments with left-leaning leaders to engage more with members of Congress, particularly when their positions differ from those of the White House. She described this outreach as parliamentary diplomacy.
Trump could also encounter greater resistance to maintaining his tariff policy, a central part of his agenda during his first two years in office. More institutional opposition could narrow his room to maneuver and require the White House to negotiate with Democrats to advance some international initiatives. International affairs specialist Rebeca Lucena said the Republican defeat could affect the party’s internal dynamics and offer an early indication of the 2028 presidential race. The results, she said, could prompt discussion about Trump’s succession and his ability to keep the party aligned with his priorities.
