{
  "id": 18108837,
  "title": "The new Congress must hold Trump accountable | Claire Finkelstein",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/the-new-congress-must-hold-trump-accountable-claire-finkelstein",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-04T11:00:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Guardian US",
    "slug": "the-guardian-us",
    "url": "https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/nov/04/democrats-congress-trump"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The results of the recent midterm elections have sent a clear message to the Republican party: their support for Trump is fading. Democrats have surged in both the House and Senate, driven by a widespread sense of disillusionment with the former president. In fact, a September poll found that 53% of Americans believe Trump is corrupt. This shift comes at a critical juncture for US democracy, as the incoming 120th Congress has the chance to address the damage inflicted by six years of Trump's rule. While there will undoubtedly be challenges in enacting much-needed reforms, the window of opportunity should not be squandered. The new Congress must focus on two key objectives: holding the executive branch accountable and strengthening Congress itself. This requires a commitment to thorough oversight investigations, which will involve subpoenaing and enforcing testimony from Trump's inner circle. Lessons from previous impeachment attempts, particularly the first one launched over Ukraine aid, highlight the importance of issuing subpoenas and pursuing witnesses despite executive privilege claims. The second impeachment trial, which saw no witnesses called, demonstrated the consequences of failing to assert congressional oversight. During the current administration, efforts to impeach several key members could help overcome obstacles like presidential privilege and Mazars case objections. This approach would not only protect congressional subpoenas but also demonstrate the institution's ability to check the executive branch. As the incoming leaders of the 120th Congress weigh their options, they must consider the long-term benefits of a robust and transparent government.",
  "summary": "An impeachment investigation would enhance transparency and allow Congress to reassert its authority In Tuesday’s midterm elections, voters sent the Republican party an unmistakable message: their love affair with Trumpism is coming to an end. The overwhelming victory for Democrats in both the US House of Representatives and the US Senate, was foreshadowed by a number of polls showing growing…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Sydney Morning Herald",
        "title": "All the money said the Republicans and Trump would win. They blew it",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/all-the-money-said-the-republicans-and-trump-would-win-they-blew-it",
        "published": "2026-11-04T04:56:32.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Age",
        "title": "All the money said the Republicans and Trump would win. They blew it",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/all-the-money-said-the-republicans-and-trump-would-win-they-blew-it-18074437",
        "published": "2026-11-04T04:56:32.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Conversation",
        "title": "‘Epic’ blue wave helps Democrats take Congress in overwhelming rebuke to President Trump",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/epic-blue-wave-helps-democrats-take-congress-in-overwhelming-rebuke",
        "published": "2026-11-04T05:48:52.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Hindustan Times - World News",
        "title": "The races that flipped Congress: Key contests that cost Trump’s Republicans the House and Senate",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/the-races-that-flipped-congress-key-contests-that-cost-trumps",
        "published": "2026-11-04T10:15:22.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}