US President Donald Trump is facing mounting political pressure following a crushing midterm election defeat that handed Democrats control of both chambers of Congress, with opposition leaders promising investigations into his administration and renewed efforts to tackle the rising cost of living.
The election outcome has dramatically altered Washington’s political landscape, leaving Trump with a hostile Congress for the final two years of his presidency and weakening his influence over the Republican Party.
Democrats had secured 54 seats in the Senate and a strong majority in the House of Representatives by early Thursday, although two Senate races in Republican strongholds Mississippi and Alaska remained too close to call.
The incoming Democratic majority has pledged to prioritise accountability, investigate the Trump administration and address economic concerns affecting ordinary Americans.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said corruption within the administration had prevented the government from addressing the needs of citizens.
“The massive corruption the country has experienced from the Trump Cartel explains why very little is getting done to help everyday Americans,” Jeffries said on Wednesday in a letter announcing his bid to become House Speaker.
“That changes immediately,” he added, promising that Democrats would “hold the crooks accountable.”
Vance Blames Iran War for Republican Defeat
Trump also faced an unexpected public disagreement with Vice President JD Vance, who suggested that the unpopular Iran war contributed significantly to the Republican Party’s poor performance.
Speaking a day after the election, Vance described the conflict as the “reason we lost”, in comments seen as a possible attempt to distance himself from the administration’s foreign policy ahead of a potential 2028 presidential bid.
Trump, however, acknowledged that Vance’s assessment was largely accurate, admitting that the conflict had contributed to rising petrol prices, a major concern among voters struggling with the cost of living.
During his first public appearance after the election on Wednesday, Trump initially focused on the construction of his proposed $400 million White House ballroom before addressing the political setback.
He said Vance was “largely true” about the impact of the Iran war on fuel prices but defended his decision to confront Tehran, insisting that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remained a priority.
Trump also said he was willing to work with Democrats but warned that he would veto legislation he opposed.
He further cautioned Democrats against pursuing impeachment proceedings for a third time, saying such an effort would damage the party politically.
Republicans Face Internal Pressure
The election defeat has also raised questions about the future of the Republican Party, with divisions expected to emerge over its leadership and political direction.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described the outcome as close to an “extinction-level event” for Republicans in several parts of the country.
DeSantis, who challenged Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, said Florida was among the few bright spots for the party.
He pointed to the election of Trump-backed Byron Donalds as Florida’s first Black governor and Ashley Moody’s retention of a Senate seat as notable Republican victories.
“This is going to last far beyond just two years,” DeSantis said, referring to the consequences of the party’s defeat.
“We just have to be very clear-eyed. This is probably the political worst-case scenario for a midterm election.”
