Results will begin appearing in the US midterm elections tomorrow evening, with many expecting a triumphant ‘Blue Wave’ in favour of the Democratic Party. According to the latest polls, Democrats are projected to take control of the House of Representatives from the Republicans. They could also realistically flip at least four Senate seats, securing a majority in the upper chamber.
This shake-up of the legislative branch would give Democrats significant leverage over President Trump, coming at a time when his administration is facing record-low approval ratings.
American voters are facing a sharp rise in petrol prices, which have nearly doubled since the start of the year. The conflict with Iran, which has contributed to this surge, is unpopular with the vast majority of Americans. Democrats are hoping to capitalise on growing public discontent by taking control of Congress, securing majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
If this ‘Blue Wave’ crashes down on Congress tomorrow, it would give the Democratic Party five important tools with which to challenge the Trump administration:
- The power to block Republican legislation: Requiring bills to secure bipartisan support before they can pass through Congress.
- The power to investigate: Scrutinising the Trump administration’s actions since taking office.
- Control over federal spending: Using budgetary powers to reverse increases in spending on immigration enforcement.
- The power to block federal appointments: Using the Senate’s confirmation powers to prevent or delay the President’s nominees from taking office.
- The power to pursue a third impeachment: Although the likelihood of securing the two-thirds Senate majority required to remove Trump from office remains extremely low.
Such a result would represent an overwhelming defeat for the Republican Party and significantly hinder the President’s ability to achieve his remaining political objectives during his final term in the White House.
