Trump's Foreign Policy Power Remains Largely Unchecked After Midterm Loss

Donald Trump's Republican Party suffered a major defeat in Tuesday's US midterm elections, losing control of both chambers of Congress to Democrats starting in January, which will increase oversight of his decisions. However, analysts say the president retains broad, largely unchecked power over foreign policy and military actions as commander-in-chief. Democrats plan to use their new congressional majority to investigate the administration, control military funding, and attempt to curb what they call Trump's "chaos" domestically and abroad, particularly regarding the Iran war. Yet their legislative leverage over international affairs is limited, as presidents historically wield wide latitude in foreign policy and military operations. Trump, a "lame duck" unable to run again, may now focus on building a foreign policy legacy, potentially escalating actions against Iran or Cuba. Democrats also aim to restore aid to Ukraine and shift support for Israel, though analysts warn Trump's impulsive style could increase global instability.