Politics · United States · 2 hrs ago
Democrats gain power in Congress but are unlikely to reverse Trump tariffs
Democrats won majorities in both chambers of the US Congress, giving them more power to challenge President Donald Trump’s policies.
The gains are expected to let Democrats lead hearings and investigations into how the administration uses tariffs and trade rules.
But many trade powers have been delegated to the president, so Trump’s tariffs are unlikely to change soon.
To override a presidential veto, lawmakers would need 290 votes in the House and 67 in the Senate, more than Democrats are projected to hold.
Democrats may use their control over government funding to seek concessions, though the sources do not say what those might be.
Their inquiries could examine tariff exemptions and the effects of duties on small businesses, which could raise pressure over the costs of tariffs.
Democrats have not yet agreed on a detailed trade agenda, and any attempt to repeal tariffs would face a high bar.
Democrats won majorities in both chambers of the US Congress in the midterm elections.
The gains give Democrats greater scope to scrutinize President Donald Trump’s policies through hearings and investigations.
Experts said the new majorities are unlikely to bring near-term changes to Trump’s tariffs or a broad shift in US policy.
Some European observers expect Democrats’ gains could open more room for debate on foreign policy, while others expect continuity.
Swiss business groups and politicians said they expect little immediate change in trade or bilateral relations.
- Who
- Democrats gained control of both chambers of Congress. President Donald Trump remains in office.
- What
- The election result is expected to increase congressional scrutiny of Trump’s policies, but not necessarily change them.
- When
- The US midterm elections took place in November 2026; results and reactions were reported on November 4 and 5.
- Where
- The United States, with potential effects discussed for Europe, Switzerland, Ukraine and other countries.
- Why
- The sources attribute Democrats’ gains to the election result. They say the president retains substantial authority over trade and foreign policy.
Metin Hakverdi
Peter Beyer
Foreign-policy implications
Metin Hakverdi
Hakverdi expects the new congressional balance to create more room for transatlantic interests and debate, including on Russia, but not an abrupt policy shift.
Peter Beyer
Beyer expects continuity in security and economic policy and says Trump’s foreign-policy approach could become more aggressive.
Reports said the Republicans had suffered major losses and Democrats had won majorities in both chambers of Congress.
Politicians and business representatives commented on the possible effects of the result on US foreign policy, trade and international relations.
Trade experts said the new congressional balance was unlikely to significantly affect Trump’s trade agenda or existing tariffs.
- Congressional control
- Democrats won majorities in the House and Senate
- Senate threshold
- 60 votes are needed to overcome a filibuster, according to the Straits Times
- Veto override threshold
- 67 senators and 290 House members
- Swiss trade outlook
- Swiss business groups expected no major immediate effect on the Swiss economy
- Ukraine policy
- Peter Beyer said he did not expect major changes in Washington’s Ukraine policy
8 sources
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What people are saying
The swing in Congress, the results of the election, are very unlikely to have a significant impact on the president's trade agenda and the tariffs that are in place
It still feels like a like a stretch, but it seems like a question that should be asked
The parliamentary spaces – for example with regard to dealing with Russia – are likely to grow
In the areas particularly relevant to us, security and economic policy, we must expect continuity
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Conscience or the cost of living, Americans said NO TO WAR, and we endorse this message. If the US govt betrays their public will to serve international paymasters and blackmailers, it will learn our NO comes with a Nightmare.