After Democrats Win Congress, What Awaits Trump?

With Democrats leading in early results of the midterm elections, attention turns to the new balance of power in Washington during the upcoming phase.

According to Al-Ain News review of US media outlets including the Associated Press, initial results showed Democratic control of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

As of the time this report was written, the preliminary results were as follows:

Senate

Democratic Party: 52 seats out of 100.

Republican Party: 41 seats

House of Representatives

Democratic Party: 225 out of 435 seats.

Republican Party: 123 seats with vote counting continuing in several districts.

Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries is expected to assume the position of Speaker of the House, thereby becoming the first Black man to hold this office.

The implications of these results do not stop at the transfer of majority from one party to another; they represent a shift in the relationship between the White House and Congress, with Democrats possessing broader oversight and legislative tools to review Trump's policies and open investigations into his administration's performance.

Trump's comment on the results
In the first reaction to Republican losses, Trump sought to distance himself from responsibility, saying via his Truth Social platform: "I wasn't on the ballot, if I had been we would have won by a landslide."

However, he acknowledged that the war with Iran may have contributed to Republican losses, stating in a phone interview with Fox News: "I think it's partly due to Iran."

Adding that voters realize, conversely, the importance of what he did regarding Iran.

In statements to The New York Times, he announced he is "fully prepared to accept those results," adding "We will work with the Democrats, and look forward, as you know, to cooperating with them. We will likely reach understandings."

Trump had previously pledged to use presidential veto power to block Democratic proposals, signaling a legislative confrontation between the White House and Congress.

White House warns
For its part, a White House official told AFP that the atmosphere at the US presidency headquarters is characterized by "challenge," warning that the President will continue to confront the "far left" regardless of election results. He warned, saying "Prepare for what comes next."

What does restoring Democratic majority in House and Senate mean?
Congress represents one of the three pillars of federal power in the United States, alongside the Executive Branch headed by the President, and the Judicial Branch.

The importance of controlling it lies in having the ability to influence legislation and laws, passing or blocking them.

Under these preliminary results (controlling one chamber or both), Democrats will be able to propose their own bills and enhance their ability to influence the legislative agenda.

The House of Representatives is the main arena where bills are introduced and discussed before completing their legislative path.

While the Senate, in addition to its legislative duties, reviews bills passed by the House, approving or rejecting them.

Opening Files
Among the first steps Democrats intend to take is activating Congress's oversight role and opening investigations into decisions and activities of the Trump administration.

According to a report published by The Washington Post, Democrats are preparing for a wide series of investigations that may include Trump, his family members, and officials in his administration, along with companies and external parties dealing with the White House.

Among the files under consideration:

• Administration decisions related to federal spending and government restructuring.

• US military operations, including strikes in the Caribbean region and the Pacific Ocean.

• Immigration authorities' handling of protesters, and files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.

The party controlling the House holds chairmanships of parliamentary committees, authority to hold hearings, summon officials, and request documents, and may resort to issuing binding subpoenas.

But these investigations do not necessarily mean the administration will comply, as the White House can challenge requests or adhere to legal privileges to withhold some documents and correspondence, which could lead to judicial confrontations.

Will Democrats move toward impeaching Trump?
The return of Democrats to control the House may bring the impeachment file back to the forefront.

Some progressive lawmakers are pushing towards holding Trump accountable, while Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries has not categorically ruled out this option.

But there is no announced party decision to begin impeachment proceedings yet, and Democrats realize that opening this path could turn into a long political and legal battle.

Also, only the House of Representatives has the authority to bring articles of impeachment, while the Senate conducts the trial, and conviction and removal require a two-thirds majority of members present.

Health, Economy, Tariffs... The First 100 Days Agenda
The Democrats' plan is not limited to investigations; they have prepared a legislative program focusing on cost of living, healthcare, housing, and energy.

According to the Associated Press, Democrats set an agenda for the first 100 days of the new Congress, including:

• Restoring tax credits associated with the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).

• Attempting to reverse cuts to the Medicaid healthcare program.

• Lowering costs of housing, food, and energy.

• Confronting tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

Democrats want to make rising cost of living a legislative priority, considering it one of the issues that influenced voter trends during the elections.

War with Iran
Among the files Democrats also put on their agenda is foreign policy, specifically the war with Iran.

Party leaders have pledged to push towards ending military operations, by introducing resolutions related to war powers, and pressuring the administration to provide explanations regarding the use of military force.

The War Powers Resolution of 1973 grants Congress tools to limit US forces' participation in combat without legislative authorization, but its application remains disputed between the executive and legislative branches.

Thus, the Iran file could become one of the most prominent arenas of confrontation between Congress and the White House, especially if Trump insists on continuing military operations.

But passing these measures will depend on the size of the Democratic majority and their ability to gain support from Republicans.

Senate... Democrats' Weapon Against Appointments
Here lies one of the most important outcomes of the potential political shift.

The Senate's role is not limited to voting on laws; it has the authority to confirm senior officials nominated by the President, including ministers, ambassadors, federal judges, and Supreme Court justices.

With Democrats winning the Senate, they will be able to disrupt or delay confirmation of Trump's nominees, which may limit his ability to reshape judicial and administrative institutions during the remaining two years of his term.

Democrats will also gain greater influence in committee negotiations and budget and federal spending talks.

What about Trump's Veto?
Despite expanded congressional powers, regaining the majority does not mean absolute authority.

President Trump retains the right to veto laws passed by Congress, and this veto can only be overridden by a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate.

Also, most legislation in the Senate requires 60 votes to overcome filibuster, making passing major laws difficult even if Democrats hold a simple majority.

The Christian Science Monitor notes that Democratic control of only one chamber may give them a platform for investigation and oversight, but it will not necessarily be sufficient to pass their legislation or impose broad changes on Trump's policies.

Next Presidential Elections
The next confrontation will not be confined to investigation and legislation files, as both parties also look towards the 2028 presidential elections.

Democrats seek to demonstrate their ability to hold the administration accountable and offer alternatives in economy, health, and foreign policy, while Trump and Republicans will try to portray their moves as obstruction of government work.