US midterm results: Democrats win Congress, shifting Washington's balance of power

Democrats won control of both houses of Congress in the US midterm elections, defeating Donald Trump’s Republican party with sweeping victories. The outcome shifts the balance of power in Washington ahead of the final two years of Trump’s presidency. The results give Democrats leverage to block much of Trump’s legislative agenda and launch oversight investigations. The scale of the wins surprised many observers, reflecting broad voter backlash against the president’s policies and style. The new Congress will take office in January 2027, potentially reshaping US foreign policy and domestic priorities. Trump retains veto power, setting up likely confrontations with the Democratic majority on issues from immigration to trade.