The U.S. midterm elections put all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats at stake, with control of Congress potentially shaping President Donald Trump’s agenda. (Foto: Instagram)
Millions of Americans voted Tuesday, Nov. 3, in midterm elections that could change the balance of power in Congress and affect President Donald Trump’s domestic and foreign policy agenda. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the Senate’s 100 seats were on the ballot, along with gubernatorial races in 36 states. Republicans currently control both chambers, but polls indicated Democrats could win a majority in one or both, potentially making it harder for Trump to advance his plans.
A Democratic majority could also expand congressional investigations into the administration, allow lawmakers to summon officials and intensify oversight of the executive branch. Such a shift would not necessarily limit Trump’s authority to act overseas, but it could increase the political cost of his decisions and concessions, and force the White House to negotiate with the opposition. A change in control could complicate the final two years of his term.
The elections were viewed as a test of Trump’s political standing amid dissatisfaction over the economy and his administration’s domestic policies. His approval rating was in the range of 30%, according to the article. Foreign policy decisions were also adding to voter concerns, including rising fuel costs associated with the war involving Iran and intensified immigration operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.
International lawyer Clarita Maia said U.S. officials had warned allies of the possibility of further military operations against Iran after the election, though Trump had not made a final decision. She said the conflict had increased energy costs and contributed to economic concerns among voters. If the conflict escalated, she said, an opposition-controlled Congress could seek answers about the operations’ legal basis, costs, strategic goals and duration, while considering budget limits and the scope of war powers.
Trump also said Tuesday that he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to halt the annual U.S. payment to Israel, which he described as $4 billion. U.S. military assistance and other financial commitments to Israel are already part of the political debate, and a new congressional balance could increase pressure on Trump to end the Iran conflict because of its economic costs. Maia said a Republican loss would not necessarily make Trump less active overseas, but could change how much institutional support his initiatives receive.
Other issues that could face greater scrutiny include U.S. relations with European allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Trump recently announced the start of a process to reduce the U.S. military presence in Europe, a move lawmakers could debate. In Latin America, Maia said a Democratic congressional majority could create more opportunities for dialogue between lawmakers and governments with left-leaning orientations. She said governments in the region might turn more often to congressional leaders, through what is known as parliamentary diplomacy, particularly when they disagree with the White House.
Trump’s tariff policy could also encounter greater resistance, potentially narrowing his room to maneuver and requiring negotiations with Democrats to advance some international initiatives. International affairs expert Rebeca Lucena said the election results could affect the Republican Party’s internal dynamics and serve as an early indicator ahead of the 2028 presidential contest. She said the results could prompt discussion about Trump’s succession and his ability to keep the party aligned behind his priorities.
