Projected Democratic victories in key races across the country are expected to give the party commanding majorities in the House and Senate, weakening the congressional support that has helped President Donald Trump during the first two years of his term. The shift could make it difficult for him to pass partisan legislation and expose several policies pursued without Congress to greater scrutiny, including tariffs, the war in Iran and Washington-area construction projects.
Trump has suggested he would respond to a Democratic-led Congress by vetoing legislation he opposes. In recent interviews, he described the veto as a powerful presidential tool and said he could reject bills he considers unacceptable, while leaving open the possibility of working with Democrats later.
Democrats, expected to be led in the House by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, are preparing an early legislative push focused on costs and health care. Their plans include restoring enhanced health insurance subsidies that expired under the Republican-controlled Congress and reversing Medicaid cuts signed into law by Trump. They also intend to seek a reversal of his tariffs and another vote on ending the Iran war or requiring congressional authorization for it to continue.
Those measures would face significant hurdles. Democrats are not expected to have the two-thirds majorities needed to override a presidential veto, and Senate Democrats will remain short of the 60 votes generally required to overcome a filibuster. Republicans could therefore retain influence over legislation even as the party loses control of Congress.
Democrats are also signaling plans for investigations into Trump, his allies and members of his family. A House majority would give Democrats control of committees with subpoena powers. Representative Robert Garcia, who is likely to lead the House Oversight Committee, has said it will examine the Trump family’s business dealings, corporate corruption and alleged abuses by federal immigration agencies, as well as the administration’s handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Other Democrats have raised questions about the administration’s actions on tariffs. Representative Jamie Raskin has accused Trump of using tariff exemptions to reward industries whose leaders gave him gifts, while Senate Democrats have also indicated they intend to issue subpoenas.
The results could also deepen divisions within the Republican Party. Marc Short, a former chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, told CNBC that the party had moved away from its conservative foundations and needed a refresh. He said he did not expect Republicans to revolt against Trump, but anticipated that some would quietly distance themselves. The extent of Trump’s support in the coming political fights remains uncertain.
Sources: CNBC Markets.