US midterms threaten Trump’s grip on Washington as Democrats eye control of House, Senate

Polls closed across the United States yesterday in the midterms, with Democrats on track to take control of the House and possibly the Senate. This potential shift in power could significantly limit Donald Trump's influence for the remainder of his presidency. Should Republicans fail to retain the House, it would enable Democrats to obstruct Trump's legislative agenda and conduct extensive investigations into his administration.

A loss in the Senate would also weaken his capacity to appoint Supreme Court justices and senior officials.

The election served as a nationwide referendum on Trump, as the public's frustration with soaring living expenses and tensions over the Iran conflict mounted. Of the 435 House seats and 35 out of 100 Senate seats up for grabs, Democrats only needed three House gains and a net four Senate seats to wrest control of both chambers from Republican hands. As voting commenced, House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries declared, "We're on the brink of a dramatic change of direction."

Trump, who returned to office the previous year with promises of lowering prices, has faced a series of economic challenges, including inflation, tariffs, and rising fuel costs stemming from the Middle East conflict. His approval rating hovers around the low 30s, placing him among the least popular presidents in recent history. Echoing voter concerns, Los Angeles resident Taylor Cook highlighted affordability and curbing Trump's administration as the most pressing election issues.

Despite Trump's claims that his policies had revitalized the nation through immigration crackdowns, the Iran war, and tariffs, the political landscape appeared to shift in favor of Democrats. Republican candidates were portrayed as right-wing extremists, a narrative that resonated with some voters. In Miami, 70-year-old Colombian-born Maru Restrepo expressed her disenchantment with Democrats, stating, "Democrats used to be decent in the past but they became very socialist."

Trump's final TV appearance aimed to sway voters, asserting that he had "rebuilt the country" through his policies. However, even his supporters acknowledged his shortcomings. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer dismissed Trump's final remarks as "pathetic." Senate control represents a formidable challenge for Democrats, as they must win a net four seats to seize power. Decision Desk HQ projected a 241-194 House majority for Democrats and a 52-48 Senate majority for Democrats, although uncertainty lingered.

The campaign generated more than $11 billion in political advertising, with tech billionaire Elon Musk contributing nearly half a billion dollars to Republican causes. Concerns grew that Trump and his allies might deny the results if they lost, mirroring their attempts to undermine the 2020 presidential election. Trump's history of alleging widespread voter fraud and accusing Democrats of cheating without evidence underscores the potential for post-election turmoil.