Control over both houses of the US Congress has passed to the Democrats
As a result of the November 3 midterm elections, the US Democratic Party gained a majority in both houses of Congress. This could affect the activities of the Trump administration.
Control of both houses of the US Congress passes to the Democrats
According to the results of the midterm elections held on November 3, the US Democratic Party gained control of both houses of Congress.
This significantly limits Donald Trump's ability to promote the president's legislative initiatives during the remaining two years of his term in the White House.
According to preliminary forecasts by American media, the Democrats secured a majority of seats in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Gaining control over the lower house requires winning at least 218 out of 435 seats. According to CNN's estimate, the Democrats won 54 out of 100 seats in the Senate.
One of the most notable results was the victory of the Democrats in states that have traditionally supported the Republicans.
In Texas, James Talarico became the first Democrat elected to the Senate from this state since 1988. Gina Hinojosa won the gubernatorial election, becoming the first representative of the Democratic Party to hold this position in over 30 years.
In Kansas, Adam Hamilton defeated incumbent Republican Senator Roger Marshall. Thus, for the first time since 1932, the state will have a Democratic senator in the Senate.
Democrats also achieved success in a number of Midwestern states such as Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio. In recent years, Republicans had been strengthening their positions in these regions.
The election results in the state of Michigan attracted particular attention. According to CNN's forecast, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers and will become the first Muslim senator in the history of the US Senate.
The victory of the Democrats in both houses of Congress makes it difficult for the Trump administration to implement its legislative initiatives.
In addition, control over Congress allows Democrats to step up investigations into the activities of the presidential administration and business projects related to the head of state.
In an interview with The New York Times, Trump expressed his readiness to accept the Republican Party's defeat in the elections.
Later, in an interview with Fox News, he admitted that he was somewhat surprised by the election results, as Republicans had expected a more successful outcome. The president attributed the party's failure to the fact that his name was not on the ballots.
Trump stressed that he does not consider the voting results a personal defeat. He also noted that incumbent administrations traditionally face the risk of losing their positions in midterm elections.
The president expressed his willingness to cooperate with the Democratic majority, but warned that he would use his veto power if he disagrees with the bills being passed.
According to Trump, if Congress sends initiatives for signature that he does not deem acceptable, he will exercise his veto power.
At the same time, the president expressed confidence that after several such instances, the parties could reach an agreement on working together.