From BBC News · · 2m
Trump weakened but still wields power after midterm defeat
Democrats won Congress in a sweeping midterm victory, but Trump retains executive powers he can use for two more years. His grip on Republicans is loosening.
In brief
Democrats won Congress in a sweeping midterm victory, but Trump retains executive powers he can use for two more years. His grip on Republicans is loosening. Democrats won Congress in midterms, but Trump keeps executive powers for two years. His control over Republicans is weakening as some openly criticise him…
Democrats sweep Congress in midterms
Democrats won control of both the House and Senate in a sweeping midterm victory on November fourth. Trump posted a defiant message from the Oval Office.
“Trump is still your president”
Trump keeps broad executive powers
Even without Congress, American presidents retain broad powers. Trump has imposed tariffs on allies and adversaries, launched military operations in Venezuela and Iran, and slashed federal spending.
The veto gives Trump a shield
If Democrats pass legislation Trump opposes, he can veto it. Congress can only override a veto with majorities larger than Democrats will hold in the next two years.
But Trump's grip on Republicans is slipping
For two years Trump kept Republicans in line through rewards and threats. Now some show willingness to criticise him in ways few would dare months ago.
Vance blames Trump for Iran war losses
Vice-president JD Vance posted that the war in Iran Trump launched with Israel caused Tuesday's Republican defeat. He challenged anyone to argue the Senate loss was worth it.
“If you'd like to argue it was worth it, that losing the Senate for the next six years was worth it, then do so.”
Trump may replace Defence Secretary
According to CBS News, Trump is asking advisers whether to replace Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, an architect of the Iran war. Trump denied the report.
Trump promises cooperation and vetoes
On Tuesday night Trump said he would cooperate with Democrats unless they were destructive, then pledged to use his veto power against liberal legislation.
“I'll get along probably with the Democrats, unless they want to be destructive. But I have the power of the veto.”
Time is running out for Trump
With two years left in his term, Trump's political authority is slipping. Unlike Bill Clinton after a similar defeat, Trump has little time to rebound politically.
The big picture
Democrats won Congress in midterms, but Trump keeps executive powers for two years. His control over Republicans is weakening as some openly criticise him.
