Politics · United States · 2 hrs ago
Democrats win control of Congress, setting up fights over Trump's foreign policy
Democrats will control both houses of Congress, giving them new influence over President Donald Trump’s foreign policy.
The election followed public anger over the Iran war and tariffs, which were linked to rising costs.
Democrats cannot override a presidential veto, but they can use budget decisions and investigations to put pressure on the administration.
The Iran war’s funding is likely to be an early battleground, along with scrutiny of the conflict and US ties with allies such as Israel.
Their actions matter to European governments, which are watching the war’s impact on energy costs and hoping Congress will maintain support for Ukraine.
Budget talks and investigations are likely next, including a government funding deadline in December and the new Congress taking office on January 3, 2027.
Democrats are set to control both houses of Congress, giving them more power to scrutinize and seek limits on President Donald Trump’s foreign policy.
They cannot override a presidential veto, so budget negotiations and investigations are likely avenues for pressure.
The Iran war is a central point of conflict, with Democrats raising questions about its costs and funding.
European governments hope Congress will sustain support for Ukraine but remain wary of Trump’s broad freedom to act abroad.
The sources differ on how much the election result may change policy, with one arguing Congress could constrain Trump and another warning that its impact may be limited.
- Who
- Democrats in Congress and President Donald Trump are the main political actors. European governments are also watching the consequences.
- What
- Democrats’ control of Congress may give them leverage to scrutinize or constrain Trump’s foreign policy, especially over Iran and Ukraine.
- When
- The election result was reported on November 5, 2026; the new Congress is due to take office on January 3, 2027.
- Where
- The United States, with effects and concerns discussed in Europe and the Middle East.
- Why
- The sources say Trump’s Iran war and tariffs contributed to inflationary pressures and voter opposition, while Democrats plan to use congressional powers to scrutinize his policies.
Democratic lawmakers
Trump administration
Congressional leverage
Democratic lawmakers
Democrats plan to use budget control, investigations and scrutiny to challenge aspects of Trump’s foreign policy, including the Iran war.
Trump administration
Trump retains broad freedom to act in foreign policy, and Democrats cannot override a presidential veto.
Iran war
Democratic lawmakers
Democrats want greater scrutiny of the war and its costs, and some may seek limits on its funding or on Trump’s authority.
Trump administration
Trump said the war was worth it and argued Iran must not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.
Jim Himes was re-elected in Connecticut, according to BFM Business.
Ukrainian bonds rose as investors anticipated that a Democratic victory could improve ties between Kyiv and Washington, BFM Business reported.
Reports said Democrats would control both houses of Congress after the election.
Democrats could press the administration during a lame-duck session as government funding under a continuing resolution is due to expire.
The new Congress is due to take office.
- Congressional control
- Democrats to hold both houses
- Presidential veto
- Democrats cannot override it
- National Defense Authorization Act
- About $1.15tn in national defense spending for 2027
- Congressional start date
- January 3, 2027
- Jim Himes
- Re-elected November 3 in Connecticut
4 sources
Democrats will control Congress. Will it change Trump's approach to foreign policy?
L'Europe enfin être débarrassée des caprices de Trump? Sur l'Ukraine, l'Iran ou Ormuz, la victoire des démocrates risque de ne pas changer grand-chose
A Democratic-controlled Congress will likely try to constrain Trump’s foreign adventures
Midterms : 5 points que l'Europe doit surveiller après l'écrasante victoire des démocrates face à Trum
What people are saying
The reason we lost is the war
we had to do it, we continue to do it
The Democrats taking control of both houses gives them unprecedented leverage – especially using the budget
American voters were pretty angry in this midterm election – they were voting against President Trump and his actions and policies as much as they were voting for [Democrats] – and that means that Democrats will have to be careful how they use this power.