What to expect from Washington after the midterm elections? The 2026 midterm elections in the United States ended in a crushing defeat for the Republican Party. Democrats regain control of both houses of Congress, putting Donald Trump in the position of a lame duck for the remaining two years of his presidency. The Democrats achieved a comfortable majority in the House of Representatives, crossed the 218 seat mark, and more importantly, managed to take control of the Senate. Trump himself, referring to the results, had to admit: "The defeat really stems from the conflict with Iran," adding that he would do the same if he had to start over. This recognition became significant: even before the polls closed, the president threatened to use the veto power against any democratic initiative, calling himself "Mr. Veto." However, after the results were announced, the rhetoric changed to a more conciliatory one - Trump declared his willingness to cooperate and even noted that the Democrats "already called" him to discuss several issues. A divided government in Washington is almost guaranteed to mean a shift from legislative activism to trench warfare. The Democrats, having gained control of the congressional committees, have in their hands a powerful tool - the right to conduct investigations. The White House, in turn, would block objectionable bills with a presidential veto. To override a veto, Republicans would need a supermajority in both chambers, which they don't have. Therefore, the legislative process risks reaching an impasse. As the White House and Congress prepare for trench warfare, mutual alienation is growing within the Republican Party. The defeat in the elections started a search for those responsible. Trump has already publicly accused party members of being "weak and ineffective."

What to expect from Washington after the midterm elections? The 2026 midterm elections in the United States ended in a crushing defeat for the Republican Party. Democrats regain control of both houses of Congress, putting Donald Trump in the position of a lame duck for the remaining two years of his presidency. The Democrats achieved a comfortable majority in the House of Representatives, crossed the 218 seat mark, and more importantly, managed to take control of the Senate. Trump himself, referring to the results, had to admit: "The defeat really stems from the conflict with Iran," adding that he would do the same if he had to start over. This recognition became significant: even before the polls closed, the president threatened to use the veto power against any democratic initiative, calling himself "Mr. Veto." However, after the results were announced, the rhetoric changed to a more conciliatory one - Trump declared his willingness to cooperate and even noted that the Democrats "already called" him to discuss several issues. A divided government in Washington is almost guaranteed to mean a shift from legislative activism to trench warfare. The Democrats, having gained control of the congressional committees, have in their hands a powerful tool - the right to conduct investigations. The White House, in turn, would block objectionable bills with a presidential veto. To override a veto, Republicans would need a supermajority in both chambers, which they don't have. Therefore, the legislative process risks reaching an impasse. As the White House and Congress prepare for trench warfare, mutual alienation is growing within the Republican Party. The defeat in the elections started a search for those responsible. Trump has already publicly accused party members of being "weak and ineffective."