What The New Democratic U.S. Congress Can Do
- 14.11.2026, 9:56
The main tool is budget control.
The Democrats’ victory in the midterm elections gave them control of both chambers of the U.S. Congress and new tools to influence the foreign policy of U.S. President Donald Trump. They will be able to conduct investigations, summon officials to hearings, influence the allocation of budget funds, and push for restrictions on military operations. However, forcing the White House to change course regarding Russia, Ukraine, or international organizations will be significantly more difficult, writes Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
What can the Democrats do?
Their main tool is budgetary control. Congress can set conditions for the allocation of federal funds, cut funding for specific administration initiatives, and increase support for international organizations. Committees will also have the opportunity to investigate the White House’s actions, including those related to the war in Iran and possible violations of international law.
Democrats can push for restrictions on military operations, tighter controls on the export of U.S. technology to China, and additional oversight of Pentagon policy. Secretary of War Pete Hegset has already come under close scrutiny.
What won’t they be able to do?
The majority in Congress does not give Democrats the right to determine foreign policy on their own. The president retains broad powers in diplomacy and military command.
For example, Congress can pass a resolution demanding an end to the war with Iran, but Trump has the right to veto it. Overriding the veto would require the support of two-thirds of lawmakers in both chambers.
It will be even more difficult to influence policy toward Ukraine. Analysts do not expect the election results to force Trump to change his stance toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian dictator Putin. The president may continue to pressure Kyiv, seeking concessions in exchange for an agreement with Moscow.
The Democrats have gained significant leverage through congressional oversight, but without the support of some Republicans and the ability to override a presidential veto, far from all of their initiatives will become law.