{ "id": 17898030, "title": "US midterms could weaken Trump's grip on power as Democrats target Congress", "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/us-midterms-could-weaken-trumps-grip-on-power-as-democrats-target", "topic": "world", "section": "World", "published": "2026-11-03T02:08:12.000Z", "source": { "name": "New Straits Times", "slug": "new-straits-times", "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2026/11/1569551/us-midterms-could-weaken-trumps-grip-power-democrats-target-congress" }, "original_language": "en", "account": "On Tuesday, Americans will vote in midterm elections that could significantly weaken Donald Trump's grip on power, with Democrats aiming to take control of both the House and Senate. Republicans are on the defensive, particularly in the House, where Democrats need only a few additional seats to claim a majority. A loss by Republicans in the House would enable Democrats to obstruct Trump's legislative agenda and launch investigations into his administration. The outcome would also impact Trump's ability to appoint Supreme Court justices and senior officials.\n\nThe election reflects a nationwide judgment on Trump, as voters express their discontent with soaring living costs and the ongoing war against Iran. Inflation, tariffs, and fuel costs have contributed to economic challenges that have affected Americans. Despite Trump's promise to lower prices when he first entered office, his approval rating remains in the low 30s.\n\nRetired teacher Jane Callum, 77, from Atlanta, Georgia, emphasized the urgency of the election, stating that she feels a responsibility to help steer the country towards democracy and away from autocracy.\n\nRepublicans attribute their tax cuts and immigration crackdown to benefiting Americans, while portraying Democrats as left-wing radicals. However, Trump's final campaign address on Monday focused more on his renovation of the Reflecting Pool rather than economic issues. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer criticized the speech as \"a pathetic closing message.\"\n\nWhile Republicans currently hold a 53-47 Senate majority, the fight extends into conservative states like Kansas, Texas, Iowa, Ohio, and Alaska. Democrats must also defend competitive seats, including in Michigan, where congresswoman Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers instead of the Democratic nominee, Abdul El-Sayed.\n\nDecision Desk HQ forecasts 241 seats for Democrats and 194 for Republicans in the House, and a 52-48 Democratic majority in the Senate. Concerns may arise over the acceptance of disputed results, as Trump has repeatedly claimed widespread voter fraud. The Justice Department, under a close Trump ally, has sued to potentially block certification of Alaska's Senate race if Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan narrowly loses.\n\nPolls show high voter turnout, with over 57 million Americans voting early. Billionaire Trump ally Elon Musk has also contributed millions to Republican efforts. If Trump loses control of Congress, he has threatened to veto legislation and potentially defy Democrats.", "summary": "WASHINGTON: Americans deliver their verdict on Donald Trump’s tumultuous second presidency Tuesday in midterm elections that threaten to shatter his grip on Washington, with Democrats poised to seize the House and challenge for control of the Senate.", "key_points": [], "editors_take": null, "illustration": null, "coverage": { "outlets": 10, "also_reported_by": [ { "outlet": "DW News", "title": "US: Trump labels Democrats 'dangerous' ahead of midterms", "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/us-trump-labels-democrats-dangerous-ahead-of-midterms", "published": "2026-11-02T23:37:00.000Z" }, { "outlet": "The Conversation AU", "title": "The midterms will change US politics. But NZ will keep feeling the Trump effect", "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/the-midterms-will-change-us-politics-but-nz-will-keep-feeling-the", "published": "2026-11-03T00:10:09.000Z" }, { "outlet": "New Voice of Ukraine", "title": "Trump focuses on Reflecting Pool in closing midterms rally", "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/trump-focuses-on-reflecting-pool-in-closing-midterms-rally", "published": "2026-11-03T00:18:00.000Z" }, { "outlet": "The Indian Express", "title": "US midterms: Why voters may punish Trump and Republicans despite booming economy", "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/us-midterms-why-voters-may-punish-trump-and-republicans-despite", "published": "2026-11-03T00:46:28.000Z" }, { "outlet": "ABC News AU", "title": "Trump's not on the ballot, so what does he have to do with the midterms?", "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/trumps-not-on-the-ballot-so-what-does-he-have-to-do-with-the-midterms", "published": "2026-11-03T01:33:46.000Z" }, { "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today", "title": "Americans vote in midterms set to upend Trump’s presidency", "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/americans-vote-in-midterms-set-to-upend-trumps-presidency", "published": "2026-11-03T01:39:00.000Z" }, { "outlet": "Hindustan Times - World News", "title": "US midterm elections 2026 LIVE: ‘The sitting president doesn’t win midterms’, says Trump as he makes final pitch", "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/us-midterm-elections-2026-live-the-sitting-president-doesnt-win", "published": "2026-11-03T02:12:17.000Z" }, { "outlet": "Dawn", "title": "US votes today in midterms that could weaken Trump’s hold on Washington", "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/us-votes-today-in-midterms-that-could-weaken-trumps-hold-on-washington", "published": "2026-11-03T02:29:09.000Z" }, { "outlet": "RTE News", "title": "US midterms set to deliver verdict on Trump presidency", "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/us-midterms-set-to-deliver-verdict-on-trump-presidency", "published": "2026-11-03T03:01:27.000Z" } ] }, "ai_generated": true, "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original." }