Editorial team
Democrats’ takeover of both chambers of Congress is set to complicate President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda, increase scrutiny of his administration and reshape the balance of power in Washington, although constitutional powers still give the president significant room to govern.
The Democratic Party has secured control of both the US House of Representatives and the Senate following a major victory in the November 3, 2026, midterm elections, setting the stage for a difficult political relationship with President Donald Trump during the final two years of his second term.
The results represent a significant setback for Trump and his Republican Party, which previously controlled both chambers of Congress, allowing the administration to advance much of its legislative agenda with limited resistance.
With Democrats securing at least 228 seats in the 435-member House of Representatives and 54 seats in the Senate, according to preliminary results cited by French Broadcaster Radio France Internationale (RFI), the opposition party is preparing to take control of the legislative branch when the new Congress begins on January 3, 2027.
The outcome gives Democrats greater influence over legislation, government oversight and presidential appointments, potentially slowing or challenging several policies pursued by the Trump administration since his return to the White House in January 2025.
Trump, however, has indicated his willingness to work with the new congressional majority, telling The New York Times that he was “absolutely willing” to accept the election results and that his Republican camp looked forward to working with Democrats.
Democrats gain oversight powers
One of the immediate consequences of the Democratic victory will be their control of congressional committees, which play a central role in investigating government activities and overseeing federal agencies.
The committees will give Democrats the authority to summon witnesses, request documents and investigate decisions involving the administration, the president’s family and his business interests.
Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic leader in the House of Representatives, is positioned to become Speaker of the House, potentially making history as the first African American to hold the influential position.
Following the election results, Jeffries said Democrats would hold accountable those responsible for what he described as unprecedented corruption in the country.
According to Emmanuelle Perez-Tisserant, a historian specialising in the United States and California, Trump’s presidency has raised questions about the limits of executive authority, legality and potential conflicts involving personal interests.
She argued that the new congressional majority could prioritise investigations into presidential actions and alleged abuses of power.
Such investigations could lead to public hearings and increased political pressure on the administration, although congressional investigations do not automatically result in legal consequences or presidential removal.
Trump’s agenda faces legislative obstacles
Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has pursued a wide-ranging political agenda, including stricter immigration policies, increased tariffs on foreign trading partners and major changes within federal institutions and government agencies.
His administration has also faced criticism over personnel changes and the use of presidential powers.
With Democrats controlling Congress from January 2027, efforts to introduce new legislation supporting Trump’s agenda are likely to face stronger opposition.
Democrats are expected to prioritise expanding access to healthcare, reviewing trade and tariff policies and addressing the conflict with Iran, which has been identified as one of the factors contributing to Republican electoral losses.
The new majority could also block or delay presidential nominations for senior government positions and federal judicial appointments, including positions requiring Senate confirmation.
Another possibility is renewed impeachment proceedings against Trump. However, removing a president requires a two-thirds majority in the Senate following impeachment by the House, making successful removal difficult even with Democratic control of both chambers.
Constitutional powers still protect Trump
Despite the Democratic victory, Trump will retain important constitutional powers that could allow him to continue implementing key aspects of his agenda.
Among them is the presidential veto, which allows him to reject legislation approved by Congress and return it for reconsideration.
To override a presidential veto, lawmakers must secure a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, a threshold Democrats are unlikely to reach with their current numbers.
Trump can also continue issuing executive orders, which direct federal agencies and guide the implementation of government policies within the limits of existing law and constitutional authority.
During his first days back in office in January 2025, Trump signed numerous executive orders, including measures granting pardons to people convicted or charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.
Perez-Tisserant noted that executive orders have increasingly become instruments through which presidents exercise their authority without relying on new congressional legislation.
She suggested that Trump could use the threat of a veto as a negotiating tool to seek concessions from Democrats rather than openly presenting political compromises.
A divided Congress and an uncertain political future
Beyond the immediate legislative consequences, the election results expose the political challenges facing both major parties ahead of the next presidential election.
Although Democrats secured significant gains, their victory does not necessarily represent a unified shift towards progressive politics across the United States.
The party includes moderate lawmakers and more progressive politicians whose positions on economic and social policies sometimes differ, potentially creating internal disagreements over legislative priorities.
For Republicans, losing control of Congress means the party will have fewer opportunities to advance its legislative programme and will face greater scrutiny of its political leadership.
The coming two years are therefore likely to be marked by negotiations, legislative confrontations and investigations as both parties position themselves ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
While Democrats have gained the power to challenge and scrutinise the administration, Trump’s executive authority means the election has not stripped him of the presidency or his ability to govern.
Instead, the results have created a new balance of power in Washington, where the president will have to contend with an opposition-controlled Congress for the remainder of his term.