Democrats Win Congress as Trump Pursues Ukraine Peace Deal
Democrats won control of both houses of Congress, creating a legislative check on President Donald Trump as he seeks a broad settlement to end the war in Ukraine.
The Democratic Party won control of both the House and Senate in the midterm elections, establishing a legislative check on Donald Trump as he enters the final two years of his presidency. Democratic leaders intend to use the power of the purse to influence foreign funding, specifically pledging to restore military aid to Ukraine and launch investigations into administration decision-making and the president's ties to Russia.
President Trump has indicated that Russia and Ukraine may be moving toward a "very big settlement" that could involve all of Europe. While the Kremlin has expressed hope that he will continue these peacemaking efforts, analysts warn the president may pressure Kyiv into a fast-tracked deal before the new Congress takes office on January 3. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the election results may increase the chances of additional U.S. assistance, including the delivery of Patriot interceptors.
Domestically, the Republican defeat is partly attributed to the economic costs of a military stalemate with Iran. In response to the shift in power, administration officials are reportedly exploring ways to expand executive authority to bypass congressional opposition. Meanwhile, the president continues to manage a strategic rivalry with China over artificial intelligence and semiconductor controls, while consolidating a doctrine to ensure U.S. primacy in the Western Hemisphere.
