Democrats secured a majority in both chambers of Congress following the US midterm elections, winning a projected 54 seats in the Senate and 224 seats in the House of Representatives. The shift in power, which takes effect when the new Congress convenes in January 2027, establishes a period of divided government that could complicate President Donald Trump’s agenda during the final two years of his term.
Hakeem Jeffries, the prospective speaker of the House, described the Democratic victories as an "American tsunami" rather than a simple "blue wave." Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Jeffries stated the party is "humbled by the outcome" and vowed to "fight hard for every single American." During an earlier appearance on "Morning Joe," Jeffries called the results a "repudiation of President Donald Trump and his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement."
Jeffries emphasized that the party will focus on "affordability"—specifically lowering the prices of groceries, gas, housing, and health care—rather than seeking retribution. He pointed to a Democratic-sponsored housing affordability bill passed in July as a foundation for future work. Although Trump refused to sign that bill, calling it "a yawn" and "so unimportant," it became law after the 10-day constitutional window lapsed. Jeffries also attributed high costs of living to Trump's "reckless and costly war of choice in Iran," urging the president to end the conflict before the new Congress begins.
Regarding allegations of financial impropriety during Trump's presidency, Jeffries stated, "There's a cost to corruption," and noted it will be the party's responsibility to "follow the facts, apply the law, be guided by the Constitution, let the chips fall where they may, and make sure that wrongdoers are being held accountable."
Scott Lucas, a professor of international politics at the Clinton Institute, University College Dublin, noted that Democrats are more likely to focus on investigations and accountability due to their control of congressional committees. These committees can hold hearings, request documents, and issue subpoenas. Lucas suggested inquiries could target Trump's stockholdings, potential insider trading involving his family, and the wealth accumulated while in office.
Lucas also expects renewed scrutiny of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as victims’ families and many Democrats claim the Justice Department has not released all files required under a law passed last year. Other possible inquiries could focus on federal agencies, such as the Justice Department, to "restore the independence of those agencies."
While Democrats can introduce legislation on health care, education, and immigration, Lucas explained that Trump can veto these measures. Overturning a veto requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers, meaning Democrats would need Republican support. Lucas suggested some Republicans might cooperate as the election result could weaken Trump's influence over his party.
Democrats will also have greater influence over federal spending, including the defense budget and military operations. Lucas said Democrats could use budget negotiations to scrutinize Pentagon spending and demand transparency over the ongoing Iran war. However, he expressed surprise at the idea of a deliberate government shutdown, calling it "irresponsible," but noted it is "very possible" if Trump feels he is not getting his way.
A Democratic-controlled Senate will have the power to scrutinize and reject Trump’s nominees for federal judgeships, Cabinet positions, and ambassadorships. Lucas suggested Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth could face scrutiny if the Iran war continues poorly, and noted that the head of the Justice Department, Todd Blanche, might face pushback "short of impeachment" because he is "effectively Trump's lawyer."
While Democrats could technically launch another impeachment process, Lucas does not expect it to be a priority. He noted that because conviction requires 67 seats and Democrats are projected to have around 54 to 56, the emphasis will be on "hearings for accountability rather than impeachment."
