US foreign allies hope Trump will come under more scrutiny after the midterm elections. Politico. Foreign governments hit by global pressure from Donald Trump are hoping for at least some relief now that Democrats have regained control of Congress. "I expected Trump to take big hits, but not a massacre like this," said a European diplomat based in Brussels. Diplomats understand that Democratic control of the House and Senate will still do little to contain Trump. But they see it as new opportunities to advance their interests. High on the list: pressuring members of Congress responsible for budget appropriations to restore support for Ukraine. "Democrats will probably want to play the game of emphasizing alliances, as opposed to an administration that refuses to do so," said a second European diplomat in Washington. "That way, we can work with Democrats who are willing to say, 'We need action against Ukraine if you want to pass certain funding measures or budgets,' otherwise the decision-making process won't change." Many foreign governments hope that Republicans in Congress will become more willing to compromise with Democrats — and more open to arguments from foreign governments — as their influence on Capitol Hill diminishes. Some diplomats say they have a more modest, but still important, goal, simply to feel like they have some like-minded allies in Washington again. "We're hoping for something basic: greater access to influential lawmakers," said a third European diplomat. "At least they will hear us. ".