Democrats won Congress. Can they actually stop Trump’s tariffs?
On the heels of their resounding victories in the midterms, Democrats are preparing to take President Trump’s tariffs head-on as part of their pledge to lower the cost of living. The tariffs, a central part of Trump’s economic agenda dating to his first term, were a frequent target for Democratic lawmakers and candidates on the...
With the US midterm elections resulting in a significant loss for Republicans, observers in Russia are predicting a change in stance by President Donald Trump towards the Russia-Ukraine conflict once Democrats take control of Congress in January. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed optimism that Trump would continue pursuing his peace efforts, stating that a round of trilateral negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the US is set to take place soon in Abu Dhabi.
Peskov also praised Melania Trump's humanitarian peace-building efforts, which facilitated a ceasefire and humanitarian aid delivery around the Russia-occupied city of Oleshky.
Despite predictions, Trump's actions in recent months have favored Moscow. He struck a diesel fuel import deal with Russia, halted new sanctions on Russia, and limited the Starlink satellite internet service used by Ukraine for military communications. Ukraine has reported a slowdown in Starshield, which is critical for their drone operations and battlefield communications. The US has struggled to replenish its stockpiles of Patriot interceptors to support Ukraine against Russian missile attacks.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly requested an increase in US-made Patriot interceptors, but the US has prioritized its own needs and exhausted its stockpiles. In October, the Trump administration approved a $2.1 billion sale of Patriot interceptors to Ukraine. Trump also met with Putin's envoy Kirill Dmitriev at a White House ceremony, where the first lady recognized the humanitarian truce.
However, many in Russia believe that Democrats' victory may pressure Trump to tread more cautiously and toughen his stance on Russia.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev suggested that Trump would be less inclined to press Ukraine when a new Congress is seated, as he doesn't need an extra confrontation with Democrats. Former Putin speech-writer Konstantin Kosachev argued that Trump's executive powers would allow him to pursue his course regardless of congressional opposition. Some experts cautioned against expecting a dramatic shift in Trump's stance, citing his constitutional powers and willingness to push the envelope.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
