Democratic midterm gains put pressure on Trump’s foreign policy

Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in the US midterm elections, dealing President Donald Trump’s Republicans a major setback.

The change will give Democrats more power to scrutinise the administration when the new Congress takes office in January 2027, though Trump retains broad authority over foreign policy.

The result could complicate US-China deals as Congress presses the administration on issues including Taiwan and technology restrictions.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is due to meet Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng in Shenzhen later this month for trade talks ahead of the APEC summit.

Democrats could use Congress’s control of funding to try to stop Trump’s war against Iran, but legislation could face a presidential veto and cutting funds could trigger a political clash.

Israel faces uncertainty over future US support, including military aid, as some Democrats have become more hesitant to support Israel publicly.

The new Congress will test whether Trump can deliver agreements with Beijing and how far lawmakers can constrain his policies; the talks in Shenzhen are an early test for US-China ties.