Democrats win US midterm elections as Trump loses Congress control
US President Donald Trump faces a Democratic-controlled Congress following midterm victories, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu struggles for a parliamentary majority.
Democrats won control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the November 3 US midterm elections, according to the Times of India. The results represent a significant political setback for US President Donald Trump, who saw Republicans lose both chambers of Congress.
In the Senate, Democrats flipped at least seven seats, including in Kansas, Iowa, Texas, Ohio, Maine, North Carolina and South Carolina. Notable victories included James Talarico defeating Ken Paxton in Texas and Adam Hamilton unseating incumbent Roger Marshall in Kansas. In the House, Democrats gained more than two dozen districts.
Trump stated he did not view the result as a personal hit, noting he was not on the ballot. He told Fox News that the Democrats fought hard but maintained the country had seen the greatest two years in presidential history. He also said he would veto any legislation he considers unacceptable.
The shift in Congress may increase scrutiny of the ongoing war with Iran. While Trump remains commander-in-chief, the new Congress can use funding and oversight powers to exert pressure. JNU professor Rajan Kumar told the Times of India that the dominant Democrats could act as a check on Trump's approach to Iran.
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is struggling to secure a majority in the Knesset following the October 27 elections. His political bloc fell short of a majority, creating a deadlock at home while the conflict with Iran remains unresolved.
The new US Congress is scheduled to take office in January. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is expected to be elected as the first Black speaker of the House, pending a vote by lawmakers.
