US elections could reshape Trump’s Congress
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Sowetan
US midterm elections could change control of Congress during the final two years of Donald Trump’s term. A Democratic victory in the House would in particular allow more congressional investigations, while the president would retain his veto power, according to Sowetan.
US voters go to the polls on Tuesday to renew Congress halfway through President Donald Trump’s term. Democrats need to gain a net four seats to retake the majority in the House of Representatives and the Senate, where Republicans currently hold majorities of 218 to 214 seats and 53 to 47, Sowetan reports.
Polls favour the Democrats to win the House of Representatives, while the outcome in the Senate remains uncertain. A Democratic victory in one or both chambers would allow the opposition to control committees and use subpoena powers to investigate Donald Trump and his administration.
Even with a Democratic majority, the president would retain his veto power as well as broad executive powers over tariffs, immigration and foreign policy. Analysts also expect clashes in 2027 over raising the debt ceiling, government funding and the risk of a federal shutdown.
The vote comes after Donald Trump and the Democrats held their final rallies on 2 November, and after the president promised to become “Mr Veto” if Democrats win Congress. The cost of living had already weakened his position ahead of the midterm elections, according to an article published on 31 October.
Update, 2 November 2026: Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 32% ahead of the US midterm elections, as some of his Republican supporters question his economic record and promises. Read: Trump loses support among his MAGA voters ahead of US elections.
