From RFI · · 2m
Democrats sweep Congress, leaving Trump a lame duck
Donald Trump faces two years of political powerlessness after Democrats won control of both houses in the midterm elections.
In brief
Donald Trump faces two years of political powerlessness after Democrats won control of both houses in the midterm elections. Democrats won control of Congress in midterm elections, making Trump a lame-duck president unable to pass legislation for two years. Originally reported by RFI.
Democrats win both houses
Democrats won 228 seats in the 435-seat House of Representatives after Tuesday's nationwide vote, against 139 for Republicans, with 68 still being counted.
Senate control secured
Democrats secured at least 54 seats in the 100-member Senate, laying bare the scale of Trump's political humiliation in the midterm elections.
Trump becomes lame duck
The Democrats' sweep will turn Trump into a lame-duck president, unable to push his policies through Congress for the next two years.
Trump's remaining powers
Trump will keep his power to veto legislation passed by Congress and will remain commander-in-chief of the armed forces despite the Democratic sweep.
Trump posts defiant message
In a show of defiance, Trump posted a picture on social media of a red baseball cap bearing the slogan VETO after the election results.
What Democrats can do
When they formally take control of Congress on 3 January 2027, Democrats will block legislation, open investigations into the Trump administration and thwart his appointments.
Voters rejected Trump's policies
Results reflected voters' concerns over rising prices, Trump's use of tariffs against trading partners and the war with Iran during his presidency.
Trump concedes defeat
In an interview with Fox News, Trump conceded his party had been beaten. I think the Democrats did a good job. They fought hard, he said.
“I think the Democrats did a good job. They fought hard.”
Democrats win Republican strongholds
Democrats won in Republican strongholds including South Carolina, North Carolina, Iowa, Kansas, Ohio, Texas and Maine in historic upsets.
First Muslim senator elected
In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed defeated Mike Rogers to become the first Muslim elected to the US Senate in American history.
At a glance
Democrats won control of Congress in midterm elections, making Trump a lame-duck president unable to pass legislation for two years.
