{
  "id": 18186327,
  "title": "What can Trump do—and not do—with Congress in the hands of Democrats?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/what-can-trump-do-and-not-do-with-congress-in-the-hands-of-democrats",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-04T21:15:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Global News",
    "slug": "global-news",
    "url": "https://globalnews.ca/news/12136652/us-midterms-democrats-washington-changes/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "U.S. President Donald Trump faces an uphill battle with the Democratic Party set to take control of both chambers of Congress in January, following the midterm elections. Despite this, experts say much of what Trump has done so far will remain largely unaffected due to his continued power as president. Derek Holt, Scotiabank's vice president and head of Capital Markets Economics, noted that voters were \"vindicated\" in their opposition to Trump's policies during the midterms, citing issues like increased deficits, poor trade policies, and broken promises.\n\nThe three branches of the federal government in the U.S. are Congress, comprising the House of Representatives and the Senate, and the executive branch, with Trump at its helm. Republicans held majorities in both chambers until 2027, while Trump remains president. This divide between the two political forces will likely result in gridlock for the next two years, making it difficult for Trump to get his agenda passed.\n\nA Democrat-controlled Congress will gain more power to launch investigations and issue subpoenas, potentially putting Trump in a more defensive position. The trade war initiated by Trump through executive orders will be challenging for Congress to reverse, as the power to set tariffs lies with the executive branch, not Congress. Canadian communities in Maine and Michigan voted against Trump's tariff policies, contributing to the Democratic victory in the midterms.\n\nIn the \"lame duck\" session, Trump and Republicans may attempt to pass as much legislation as possible before Democrats take control. A new trade deal with Canada, which could replace the current CUSMA, is the primary focus during this period. If a comprehensive agreement can be signed before the Democrats take over, it may help alleviate some of the negative economic impacts of the tariffs.",
  "summary": "U.S. President Donald Trump faces an uphill battle in Washington now that the Democratic Party is projected to win control of both chambers of the U.S. Congress in the midterms.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 8,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "FXStreet",
        "title": "Gold reclaims $4,000 as Democrats’ Congress win rattles US Dollar",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/gold-reclaims-4-000-as-democrats-congress-win-rattles-us-dollar",
        "published": "2026-11-04T11:14:36.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Guardian US",
        "title": "Democrats sweep into control of Congress after historic midterm victories | First Thing",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/democrats-sweep-into-control-of-congress-after-historic-midterm",
        "published": "2026-11-04T11:14:37.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Tax Foundation",
        "title": "What a Democratic Congress Means for Federal Tax Policy in 2027",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/what-a-democratic-congress-means-for-federal-tax-policy-in-2027",
        "published": "2026-11-04T16:00:21.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "CNBC",
        "title": "Democrats take Congress in a blue wave. Here's what it means for your money",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/democrats-take-congress-in-a-blue-wave-heres-what-it-means-for-your",
        "published": "2026-11-04T19:53:55.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Crikey",
        "title": "America rejects Donald Trump as Democrats retake Congress in style",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/america-rejects-donald-trump-as-democrats-retake-congress-in-style",
        "published": "2026-11-04T20:21:07.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "NPR",
        "title": "It was a big night for doctors to win seats in Congress, riding the blue wave",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/it-was-a-big-night-for-doctors-to-win-seats-in-congress-riding-the",
        "published": "2026-11-04T20:46:26.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Business Times - Companies & Markets",
        "title": "European shares jump over 1% after Democrats sweep US Congress, Novo Nordisk surges",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/european-shares-jump-over-1-after-democrats-sweep-us-congress-novo",
        "published": "2026-11-04T22:02:11.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}