Trump's Midterm Losses May Spur Foreign Policy Risks

US President Donald Trump's midterm election losses could trigger volatile foreign policy actions, European officials fear, as the domestic setback may push him to lash out abroad. The Democratic "blue wave" hampers his legislative agenda but leaves foreign policy latitude. European Commission officials privately warned for weeks that big Republican losses could leave Trump bruised and seeking conflict elsewhere, potentially escalating the Iran war, reducing Ukraine support, or sparking fresh EU trade rows. Trump has blamed Ukraine's oil refinery strikes for energy prices, straining ties with President Zelenskiy, who relies on US intelligence and Patriot missiles. Brussels previously accepted a 15% tariff rate to stabilize trade relations, and court setbacks have forced creative legal justifications for import taxes. High living costs from tariffs and energy crises featured in midterm races, possibly restraining Trump's tariff use. Spain's Sánchez criticized Trump's policies, but most European leaders remain quiet, assessing implications for Trump's second half.