Democrats set to seize Congress as President Trump’s agenda meets a wall of resistance
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The 2026 midterm elections handed Democrats control of both chambers, creating a new check on President Donald Trump and opening the door to fights over tariffs, Iran policy, health care, and the administration’s broader agenda.
Democrats are expected to hold commanding majorities in the House and Senate after the 2026 midterm elections, ending President Donald Trump's ability to ram through partisan legislation in the second half of his term. The new Democratic majorities plan to introduce a slate of bills in their first weeks, including restoring health-insurance subsidies, reversing Medicaid cuts, rolling back recent tariffs and addressing the conflict with Iran.
President Trump said he would rely on the veto power to block legislation he deems "insane," underscoring how quickly the White House may resort to obstruction rather than compromise. He also suggested he might become known as "Mr. Veto" if Congress continues to advance bills he opposes.
House Democrats, likely to be led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, intend to move quickly on their agenda, but they lack the two-thirds majorities needed to override a presidential veto without Republican support. In the Senate, Democrats remain short of the 60 votes required to overcome the filibuster, giving the GOP some leverage despite its losses and ensuring continued gridlock.
Democratic committees are also preparing investigations into the Trump administration and the president's business interests. Representative Robert Garcia, expected to chair the House Oversight Committee, said his panel will examine the Trump family's business dealings and related matters, summing up the approach with the phrase "Lawyer up." Other members, such as Representative Jamie Raskin and Senator Ed Markey, have called for records on tariff exemptions and other issues.
Analysts note that the shift in congressional control could create a prolonged period of conflict for the president, who faces declining approval ratings and a reduced congressional base. Marc Short, chairman of Advancing American Freedom and former chief of staff to former Vice President Mike Pence, said the GOP needs a refresh after recent electoral setbacks.