US Democrats Win Midterms: What Powers Do They Have Against Trump?

In the US midterm elections on November 3, the Democratic Party took control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate from President Donald Trump's Republicans. Democrats also won governors' races in former Republican strongholds, including Texas. The result shifts the balance of power in Washington, but the day after the vote the White House reminded Americans in a post on X: "Trump is still your president."

The veto and how to get around it

Trump can veto any bill Congress sends him, and only a two-thirds majority can override that. Democrats lack such a majority in either chamber. Still, Patrick Malone, a professor of public administration and policy at American University in Washington, says some Republicans, especially in the House, may no longer want to be tied closely to Trump. In his view, a bipartisan override "could happen very easily."

Impeachment and investigations

From January 2027, Democrats will hold the simple House majority needed to bring charges against the president. Conviction and removal in the Senate requires two-thirds, which they cannot muster. One possible ground could be Trump's launch of the war with Iran without congressional approval; how far a president's military authority extends without Congress is legally disputed. Some Democrats favor starting the process, while others are skeptical. Senator Cory Booker said the party should focus on Americans' problems rather than on Trump. Malone expects Democrats to launch investigations, which he says influence public opinion more than legislation.

Hegseth and party unity

Observers assume Democrats will demand a new secretary of defense in place of Pete Hegseth. Firing him is the president's decision, but Democrats will control government spending and could attach conditions to funding for the conflicts. Hegseth is held partly responsible for the US's relative lack of success in the war with Iran.

Malone says Democratic unity will not last. The party includes progressives such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as moderates who won in former Republican districts. He argues that opposing Trump alone will not sustain their success; they need a positive governing agenda they can all agree on.