Polls begin closing in midterms set to roil Trump’s presidency

Polls began closing in US midterms on Tuesday, with Democrats on track to take control of the House and possibly the Senate. This shift could weaken Donald Trump's influence and limit his ability to pass legislation and appoint officials. The election serves as a nationwide judgment on Trump, occurring amid rising discontent with Republicans over high living costs and the Iran conflict.

Democrats need to gain just three House seats and a four-seat net increase in the Senate to seize both chambers. Despite Trump's claims of improving the country, inflation, tariffs, and war expenses have raised living costs for Americans, causing his approval rating to plummet. When asked about the election issues, a young voter from Los Angeles emphasized affordability and curbing the Trump administration.

Trump defended his record during a final TV appearance, saying he rebuilt the nation through immigration crackdowns, the Iran war, and tariffs. However, Democrats argue that Republicans are portraying Democratic candidates as left-wing radicals, a narrative that has apparently resonated with some voters. The Senate is a challenging battleground for Democrats, as they must defend competitive seats in traditionally conservative states.

However, they have made gains in unexpected places, such as in Michigan, where a voter endorsed the Republican nominee over a Democratic opponent. Polls forecast a 241-194 Democratic advantage in the House and a 52-48 Democratic advantage in the Senate. The campaign has been extensively funded, with Elon Musk contributing nearly half a billion dollars to Republican efforts.

Concerns persist that Trump and Republicans may refuse to accept results if they lose, given his history of alleging widespread voter fraud.