US midterms on November 3 could reshape Congress and affect Ukraine
US midterms on November 3 will decide control of the House of Representatives and part of the Senate. Democrats have a chance to win both chambers, potentially limiting Donald Trump’s legislative agenda, strengthening oversight and changing congressional action on Ukraine, including assistance and sanctions.
Key points
- US midterms will be held on November 3.
- Voters will elect the House of Representatives and part of the Senate.
- Democrats could win majorities in both chambers.
- President Donald Trump is considered likely to lose control of the House and possibly the Senate.
- Democrats are reportedly preparing scrutiny of Trump’s finances and potential investigations.
- A Democratic House could hold hearings, control the budget, and adopt legislation on Ukraine’s assistance and sanctions.
- If Trump loses control of Congress, he may rely more heavily on executive orders and emergency powers.
Why it matters
The election could determine whether Democrats control both chambers of Congress, influencing the administration’s budgetary, oversight, and legislative options. A Democratic House could increase scrutiny of Trump and shape congressional resolutions and legislation concerning Ukraine. The outcome may also affect how the administration exercises executive power and approaches Ukraine and other foreign-policy issues.
What happened
The November 3 US midterms will determine control of the House of Representatives and part of the Senate. Democrats have a chance to secure majorities in both chambers, and Trump is considered likely to lose the House and possibly the Senate. If the Democrats take control, they could use the budget, hearings, resolutions, and legislation to influence the administration, including its policies toward Ukraine. Reuters reported that Democrats are preparing investigations into Trump’s finances, including Department of Homeland Security contracts, spending on White House ballroom events, the 1789 Capital fund, and foreign sovereign funds. Trump is also expected to use more executive orders and emergency powers if blocked by a Democratic House. Separately, Artem Biden estimates that a Trump defeat would not weaken but could intensify pressure on Ukraine.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian coverage presents the midterms as a challenge for Trump, Republicans, and Ukraine. It focuses on possible congressional action on assistance and sanctions, as well as how a Democratic House could use hearings, resolutions, legislation, and budget control to influence executive decisions. Artem Biden believes a Republican setback would most likely intensify, rather than ease, pressure on Ukraine.
How international sources describe it
The broader coverage emphasizes Democrats’ electoral prospects and the possible loss of Republican control of both chambers. It also examines potential investigations into Trump’s finances, the institutional tools available if Democrats take control, and the foreign-policy strategy Trump may pursue after an electoral defeat. Historical events from the 2018 midterm cycle illustrate the possible consequences of a presidential setback.
Background
Overriding a presidential veto requires two-thirds of the votes in both chambers of Congress. After losing the House in 2018, Trump initiated a 35-day government shutdown and later declared an emergency to fund a wall on the Mexican border. The day after the 2018 midterms, he dismissed the attorney general.