US midterms set to deliver verdict on Trump presidency

The US midterm elections will determine the fate of Donald Trump's second presidency, with Democrats seeking to seize control of the House and challenge for the Senate. Republicans are at risk of losing the House, which would enable Democrats to obstruct Trump's legislative agenda and investigate his administration. A Senate defeat would further impede Trump's ability to appoint Supreme Court justices and senior officials.

The contest encompasses all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats, along with gubernatorial races in 36 states. Democrats need only three House gains and a net four Senate seats to wrest both chambers from Republican control. Despite Trump's promise to lower prices during his campaign, high inflation, tariffs, and Middle East-related fuel costs have put pressure on American families.

The 80-year-old's approval rating has remained in the low 30s. In his final campaign speech, Trump focused less on the economy and more on renovations of Washington's Reflecting Pool. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer deemed it a "pathetic closing message." Texas military veteran Yvonne Clouser predicts a Democratic victory.

Republicans currently hold a 53-47 Senate majority, but Democrats aim to gain seats in conservative states such as Kansas, Texas, Iowa, Ohio, and Alaska. The final forecast projects 241 Democratic House seats and 194 Republican seats, while the Senate is projected at 52-48 in Democrats' favor. Early voting, exceeding 57 million, demonstrates high voter engagement.

Political advertising surpasses $11 billion, with billionaire Trump ally Elon Musk contributing millions to Republican efforts. Amid allegations of widespread voter fraud, the Justice Department has attempted to block the certification of Alaska's Senate race should Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan narrowly lose. The Supreme Court rejected an emergency bid to exclude mail-in ballots from California based on citizenship concerns.

If Trump loses control of Congress, he may defy Democrats by vetoing legislation, though he may eventually strike deals with them.