Democrats vow to use midterm sweep to overpower Donald Trump
After securing control of both chambers — at least a 54–44 Senate majority and about 93 more House seats — Democrats say they'll block and investigate the president.
Democrats vowed to use their decisive midterm victory in the United States to push back against President Donald Trump, a development that points to a possible two-year stalemate in Washington.
Voter anger over Trump’s policies — especially the rise in living costs blamed on the war against Iran — helped Democrats capture the Senate, where they will hold a majority of at least 54–44, and the House of Representatives, where they currently have about 93 more members than Republicans. It will be the first time Trump faces a Congress controlled by Democrats in both chambers.
Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, said the new majority will focus on affordability and accountability.
“We are not working for Donald Trump. We are working for the American people. The days when the House operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Trump administration are over,” Jeffries said.
Trump frames the vote as a referendum
Trump had presented the midterms as a referendum on the first half of his second term.
“I will probably agree with the Democrats, unless they want to be destructive. But I have the right to veto,” he said. Trump also downplayed the meaning of the outcome: “I don't see this as a hit against me.”
Democrats centered their campaign on corruption and price affordability, blaming Trump’s tariffs and the war with Iran for higher living costs, while pointing to billions earned by the Trump family since his return to the White House.
Republicans have already pressured Trump to change course after voters rejected his candidates in key races. GOP allies and strategists urged him to shake up White House staff, restore discipline and repeal policies they blamed for the losses — including the war with Iran and tariffs. Trump showed no sign he sees the result as a reason to shift direction.
With control of both chambers, Democrats will be able to block Trump’s legislative agenda, investigate his administration and challenge his nominations. Vice President J. D. Vance, viewed as a likely political heir to Trump, yesterday slightly distanced himself from the president, blaming the war in Iran for midterm defeats.
Photo: AP)
