US midterm elections: a referendum on President Donald Trump?
The United States is holding midterm congressional elections in which Democrats are poised to win the House and are within striking distance of the Senate. The outcome could significantly weaken President Donald Trump's grip on Washington.
The United States is holding midterm elections, the congressional vote that takes place midway through a presidential term. The international news channel France 24 reports that Americans are delivering their verdict on President Donald Trump's first term, and that the vote could substantially weaken his hold on Washington.
What the outlook shows
According to France 24, the Democratic Party is poised to take control of the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of Congress. The party is also within striking distance of a majority in the Senate, the upper chamber.
Why it matters
If the Democrats win control of one or both chambers, Trump's power in Washington would become more limited. That is why the vote is widely treated as a major test of his presidency. The headline of the source report points to exactly this, asking whether the election will serve as a referendum on the president.
The source gives no further details on specific results, seat counts or turnout, so for now only the general balance of forces is clear. Once full results are announced, it will become clear whether the Democrats' hopes have been realised and how far the political balance in the country will shift.
