# U.S. Democracy Is Back, Sort of

> Trump faces historic rebuke as Democrats flip Congress in 2026 midterms.
- Title: U.S. Democracy Is Back, Sort of · Foreign Policy | Shortify
- Summary: Trump faces historic rebuke as Democrats flip Congress in 2026 midterms. Democrats won both the House and Senate in 2026 midterms, but Trump remains defiant…
- Keywords: 2026 u.s. midterms, democrats, house of representatives, senate, president donald trump, executive orders, voting rights, trade policy, iran war, ukraine invasion, immigration policy, tariffs
- Source: Foreign Policy — https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/11/04/election-trump-democrats-congress-senate-house-vote
- Author: Michael Hirsh
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: 2026 u.s. midterms, democrats, house of representatives, senate, president donald trump, executive orders, voting rights, trade policy, iran war, ukraine invasion, immigration policy, tariffs
## 2026 Midterm Elections
The 2026 midterm elections signaled U.S. democracy is not dead, not by a long shot.
## Trump's Political Dominance Ends
President Donald Trump’s decade-long dominance of national politics ends with Democrats taking back both the House and Senate.
## 2028 Presidential Race Begins
The 2028 presidential race, which effectively begins today, is now up in the air.
## International Role Uncertain
The ultimate direction of the country’s international role will be decided by the 2028 presidential election.
## Brutal Two-Year Period Ahead
Both Democrats and Republicans will engage in vicious infighting over fundamental policy issues for the next two years.
## Trump's Executive Power
Trump has signed 292 executive orders, 90 memoranda, and 192 proclamations in less than two years.
## Economic and Approval Ratings Drop
Trump’s approval ratings fell to historic lows as economic news became grim in his second term.
## Democratic Gains in Key States
In Texas, Democrat James Talarico won the Senate race and State Rep. Gina Hinojosa became the first Democratic governor in 32 years.
## Trump's Defiance
Trump declared he would use 'tremendous' executive power to push through his agenda regardless of congressional control.
## Trump's 2026 Election Strategy
Trump made the midterm election a referendum on himself, saying he was 'not on the ballot' and would have won 'in a landslide' if he was.
## Trump's Foreign Policy Impact
Trump’s Iran war and Ukraine invasion alienated middle-income voters and MAGA supporters alike.
## Latino Voter Shift
Latino voters shifted from Trump to Democrats in key regions including Texas, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
## Democratic Challenges
Democrats face internal divisions over taxes, healthcare, and foreign policy, especially support for Israel.
## 2028 Democratic Strategy
Democrats aim to pass bills on health insurance, housing, and industrial policies despite potential Trump vetoes.
## Trump's Legacy Concerns
Trump is concerned about his legacy as the GOP fractures and the MAGA coalition no longer exists.
## Key takeaway

Democrats won both the House and Senate in 2026 midterms, but Trump remains defiant and plans to use executive power to push his agenda.