Democrats win both chambers in midterm elections, a major defeat for Trump

Democrats have won control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives in the US midterm elections, a devastating defeat for President Donald Trump. The party triumphed in strongly Republican territories where it had not won for decades, capitalizing on deep voter dissatisfaction with Trump. Democrats needed to gain at least three House seats and four Senate seats to secure majorities in both chambers, and they succeeded by winning competitive races in states like Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, and Texas. Trump's approval rating is near historic lows, driven by voter anger over inflation and fuel prices amid the unpopular war with Iran. The results represent a major referendum on Trump's policies, including tariffs and his decision to attack Iran, which raised consumer prices. Trump had promised a $5,000 check to every US adult if Republicans kept control, and his Justice Department sent 1,000 election observers, which Democrats criticized as voter intimidation.