Election flop leaves Donald Trump a wounded animal
SPY•Republicans lost unified control of Congress after voters turned against policies linked to rising fuel prices, tariffs and the Iran conflict. Early returns pointed to Democrats gaining both chambers, though Trump said he would use his veto to block their efforts.
1. Voters reject Republican policies
Republicans lost unified control of Congress in the midterm elections, as inflation reaccelerated and Trump’s foreign policy ran into opposition. Polls showed voters swinging toward Democrats as gasoline prices surged 40% and diesel prices nearly doubled after Trump’s decision to attack Iran.
2. Tariffs and AI face backlash
Republicans lost in states bordering Canada despite efforts to distance themselves from Trump’s tariffs. Agricultural and manufacturing states also delivered setbacks after losing key export markets in China for beef and soybeans; Kansas, South Carolina and Texas elected Democratic senators for the first time in decades. In Texas, Democrats won the governor’s race, while Elon Musk’s nearly $500 million in Republican election spending was repudiated.
3. Trump retains veto power
Democrats are expected to use their investigatory powers to scrutinize government contracting, Trump family cryptocurrency ventures and overseas influence-peddling. Trump has promised to become “Mr. Veto” against a Democratic Congress, and removing administration members such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth would require overwhelming votes. Budget fights and brinksmanship are expected.
