Trump vows comeback as bitter showdown with Congress looms

Donald Trump vowed a political comeback on Sunday as Republicans lost control of Congress in midterm elections. The devastating results leave Trump politically powerless as he enters the two-year "lame duck" period of his White House tenure. Incoming Democratic leaders pledged to hold Trump and his aides accountable, while the president's top law officer, Attorney General Todd Blanche, vowed to defend them.

Trump, on social media, claimed America had "taken a giant step back in history" with the election results. He appointed conservative advisor Stephen Miller as his new chief of staff, signaling a "bare-knuckle fightback." However, many Republicans criticized the move, including Vice President JD Vance.

Trump threatened to have Democratic lawmakers "lawyer up" and ordered the Justice Department to investigate Democratic threats to impeach members of his administration. This stance sparked a heated debate on Sunday talk shows.

Blanche, the new head of the Justice Department, vowed to actively defend Trump and his senior aides, warning Congress not to "come after Stephen Miller." Democratic leaders, however, vowed to hold Trump and his aides accountable, requesting documents and holding public hearings. Potential subjects include the Trump family's business dealings, government contracts with Elon Musk, and the Iran war.

Hakeem Jeffries, who will become speaker of the new Democrat-controlled House of Representatives, vowed to support efforts to oust Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of abusing his power and undermining national security.