The Democratic Party has won control of both chambers of the US Congress in the midterm elections, overturning the Republican majority and delivering a significant setback to President Donald Trump. The result, described as a "blue wave," saw Democrats secure Senate seats in traditionally Republican states including Texas, Kansas, and South Carolina.
The outcome leaves the 80-year-old president facing a more difficult final two years in office, with Congress now under opposition control. Trump has responded by vowing to veto any legislation he considers "insane."
What happened in the midterms
Midterm elections take place halfway through a president's four-year term, with voters deciding who controls Congress. Congress comprises the House of Representatives, which has 435 seats, and the Senate, which has 100 seats.
Before the vote, Trump's Republicans controlled both chambers, allowing the president to advance his legislative agenda with relative ease. From January, however, Democrats will hold majorities in both, a shift attributed to voter frustration over rising living costs, the war in Iran, and Trump's handling of the country.
Impact on Trump's agenda
The change in control means major new laws, which generally require approval from both chambers, can now be blocked by Democrats. The opposition party can also launch investigations into Trump and his administration, demand documents, and summon officials for questioning.
With control of the Senate, Democrats can reject presidential nominations for senior government positions and federal judges. Trump retains powers in areas such as immigration, foreign policy, and trade, and can continue issuing executive orders, though these can face legal challenges and do not override laws passed by Congress.
Veto powers and impeachment prospects
Trump holds the power to veto legislation passed by Congress, refusing to sign it into law. Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers, a threshold that would require substantial Republican support. Speaking to Fox News after the results, Trump said: "They'll send over things that are insane. And I'll veto them. And after a couple of months of vetoes, they'll call. And they'll say, how do we get this stuff done? And we'll work together."
The election results make a third impeachment of Trump more likely, as the House of Representatives can impeach a president with a simple majority vote. However, removal from office would require a two-thirds majority in the Senate. Trump was impeached in 2019 and 2021 but acquitted both times. Democrats have not yet committed to pursuing another impeachment.
Trump remains president until January 2029, but with Congress in opposition hands, passing major new laws could become extremely difficult. He is barred from running for a third term, shifting attention to the 2028 presidential election and potential successors, including Vice President JD Vance.
