From POLITICO · · 2m
Democrats' midterm win sparks hope and caution in Europe
European leaders celebrate U.S. Democrats regaining Congress as relief from Trump, though his foreign policy powers remain largely unchanged.
In brief
European leaders celebrate U.S. Democrats regaining Congress as relief from Trump, though his foreign policy powers remain largely unchanged. Democrats won control of the U.S. House and Senate in midterm elections, giving Europe hope for a less hostile administration, but Trump retains significant foreign policy…
Democrats sweep U.S. midterms
Democrats regained control of the House of Representatives and Senate, winning big in Republican strongholds like South Carolina, Texas and Kansas. The result is a monumental rebuke of President Donald Trump.
Europe sees relief from Trump
For Europe, weathered by Trump's verbal attacks and tariff threats for two years, the Democratic victory offers rare hope in transatlantic politics.The U.S.president might be too distracted to focus his usual ire on Europeans.
European leaders hail the shift
European Parliament Vice President Sophie Wilmès, a former Belgian prime minister, heralded a major shift in the balance of power in U.S.Congress.She hopes it will lead to a calmer, more constructive relationship with Europe.
“I hope it will lead to a calmer, more constructive relationship with Europe.”
Germany warns against high hopes
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called the Democratic victory historic but cautioned against Europe expecting too much. Trump still retains many executive powers on foreign policy as president.
“We will seek close contact with the Democrats. But we do not know what the president will do after the election in the near future.”
Trump antagonists celebrate openly
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said American society voted against policies that impoverish, against hate, sexism, climate change denial and elite privileges. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski mocked Trump's political difficulties.
“American society voted against policies that only impoverish. Against hate. Against sexism. Against climate change denial and against the privileges of the elites.”
Europe's far right faces backlash
Jordan Bardella, leader of France's National Rally, blamed Trump's Iran policy for his defeat. Marine Tondelier, leader of France's Greens, called the result a warning for France ahead of its presidential election in April.
“If our country brings the RN to power next year, it will meet the same tragic fate as the United States.”
Trump's foreign policy powers remain
Trump retains considerable room to maneuver on foreign policy, including European security, trade and Russia's war in Ukraine. A Democratic Congress could scrutinize his administration but cannot override his executive authority.
Markets and officials weigh outcomes
European markets opened slightly higher Wednesday following the Democratic victory. Former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta wrote that Europe is much stronger thanks to the blue wave.
“Europe is much stronger”
Trump attacks Europe on election night
Despite his ballot-box defeat, Trump attacked Europe during an election night call with Fox News.He warned that Europe is dying and countries like France and Italy may not even survive, while claiming the U.S.is thriving.
“You look at Europe, it's dying. You look at what's going on in France, what's going on in Italy and all these other countries. I mean, they're going through a terrible time.”
What matters most
Democrats won control of the U.S. House and Senate in midterm elections, giving Europe hope for a less hostile administration, but Trump retains significant foreign policy authority.
