United States President Donald Trump turned the November 3 election into a personal referendum and suffered a defeat that is difficult to attribute to the party headquarters. Democrats won both houses of Congress. Financial Times columnist Edward Luce sees this as the beginning of the president's political end: Trump called for voting as if his name were on the ballot. Now his own appeal prevents him from separating himself from the Republican party. Democratic victories in Texas and Kansas added weight to the defeat. States that Republicans had thought were safe for decades were under attack. According to a Reuters poll of voters, 70% wanted stricter congressional oversight of the president. This suggests an uncomfortable situation for the party: it will be difficult to regain lost ground by repeating the pledge of loyalty to Trump. A considerable part of the voters demanded that his freedom of action be limited. The terms of the new Congress will begin on January 3, 2027. Democrats will lead committees and be able to investigate the administration by subpoenaing officials and requesting documents. The White House will have to explain its decisions to political opponents. Access to materials may be subject to legal disputes. Party allies will no longer be able to defend the administration against persistent questions from the parliamentary majority. Losing the Senate also affects the legacy Trump hoped to leave behind. This office certifies federal judges, including members of the Supreme Court. An appointed judge may outlive several presidents. If vacancies arise in the remaining two years, the Democrats will be able to stop the appointment of candidates they do not approve of. The missed opportunity to fill the court with his own appointment will be difficult for Trump to return: the 22nd amendment prohibits being elected president more than twice. Defeat reduces the ability to influence policy after departure. Trump has already told Fox News that he intends to delay unacceptable Democratic bills until they agree to negotiate.

United States President Donald Trump turned the November 3 election into a personal referendum and suffered a defeat that is difficult to attribute to the party headquarters. Democrats won both houses of Congress. Financial Times columnist Edward Luce sees this as the beginning of the president's political end: Trump called for voting as if his name were on the ballot. Now his own appeal prevents him from separating himself from the Republican party. Democratic victories in Texas and Kansas added weight to the defeat. States that Republicans had thought were safe for decades were under attack. According to a Reuters poll of voters, 70% wanted stricter congressional oversight of the president. This suggests an uncomfortable situation for the party: it will be difficult to regain lost ground by repeating the pledge of loyalty to Trump. A considerable part of the voters demanded that his freedom of action be limited. The terms of the new Congress will begin on January 3, 2027. Democrats will lead committees and be able to investigate the administration by subpoenaing officials and requesting documents. The White House will have to explain its decisions to political opponents. Access to materials may be subject to legal disputes. Party allies will no longer be able to defend the administration against persistent questions from the parliamentary majority. Losing the Senate also affects the legacy Trump hoped to leave behind. This office certifies federal judges, including members of the Supreme Court. An appointed judge may outlive several presidents. If vacancies arise in the remaining two years, the Democrats will be able to stop the appointment of candidates they do not approve of. The missed opportunity to fill the court with his own appointment will be difficult for Trump to return: the 22nd amendment prohibits being elected president more than twice. Defeat reduces the ability to influence policy after departure. Trump has already told Fox News that he intends to delay unacceptable Democratic bills until they agree to negotiate.