From Foreign Policy · Alexandra Sharp · · 3m
Democrats Win U.S. Congress, Shift Foreign Policy
Democrats take control of U.S. Congress after midterms, setting new priorities on Iran war, inflation, and corruption.
In brief
Democrats take control of U.S. Congress after midterms, setting new priorities on Iran war, inflation, and corruption. Democrats won U.S. Congress in midterms, aiming to end Iran war, cut grocery costs, and investigate Trump corruption. Originally reported by Foreign Policy.
Midterm Results
Democrats took back control of U.S. Congress in Tuesday's midterm elections, a dramatic rebuke of President Trump and his Republican Party.
Voter Frustration
Voters expressed fatigue with the administration's policies, with inflation and pricing concerns becoming the top issue for over one-third of Americans.
Iran War Impact
Since U.S. and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran in late February, fuel costs have skyrocketed to record highs, increasing household costs by around $2,000.
Supply Chain Strains
Dozens of U.S. products, from medical supplies to computers to condoms, have suffered supply chain strains due to the Iran war.
Trump's Last Bid
On Election Day, Trump abruptly announced Washington would cut $4 billion in aid to Israel by year-end to convince voters of adaptable Middle East policies.
Historic Democratic Wins
Kansas elected its first Democrat senator in nearly 100 years, while Michigan, Georgia, and New Hampshire elected the country's first Muslim senator, Black woman governor, and openly gay man senator, respectively.
New Congress Agenda
Democrats plan to crack down on Trump's policies, including challenges to tariffs, military spending for the Iran war, and investigations into alleged corruption within Trump's inner circle.
Foreign Policy Priorities
Other foreign policy priorities include improving U.S. NATO relations, supporting Ukraine, reining in Latin American boat strikes, and regulating Big Tech, AI, and data centers.
House Oversight Committee
Rep. Robert Garcia, who will chair the House Oversight Committee, urged lawmakers to 'lawyer up' to address Trump's cabinet members and other issues.
Global Reactions
Global leaders expressed optimism that Democrats' mandate would 'introduce a new era in world relations,' including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.
Challenges Ahead
Analysts warn the next two years could be 'ugly, chaotic, and brutal,' with a divided Democratic Party risking alienated former Trump voters.
Ukraine EU Accession
The European Commission warned Ukraine it needs to speed up reforms to meet its EU accession goal by the end of 2028, focusing on rule of law and corruption.
Indonesia's Investigation
Indonesia's authorities allege an illegal wiretapping operation targeting President Prabowo Subianto, calling it an 'act of treason' with possible government undermining.
What's Next
Democrats aim to end Iran war, reduce grocery costs, and investigate Trump corruption, while facing challenges in uniting their party and managing foreign policy shifts.
Here's the gist
Democrats won U.S. Congress in midterms, aiming to end Iran war, cut grocery costs, and investigate Trump corruption.
