The U.S. midterm result gives Democrats new leverage over legislation and federal spending, while allies are watching President Donald Trump’s Iran policy before the new Congress takes office, Bloomberg reported.
Republicans lost control of both chambers in an election shaped by high energy prices, which Bloomberg said were straining budgets and contributing to unrest internationally. When Congress changes hands in about two months, Democrats will be able to pass bills and withhold federal funding. They can also advance resolutions intended to constrain the president’s authority to wage war. Bloomberg reported that Congress has limited influence over foreign affairs.
The policy effects could vary by issue. Republican defeats in states heavily affected by trade disputes may make further tariff confrontations with Canada and Europe more difficult, even though Trump retains broad authority to impose tariffs, Bloomberg reported. The same Congress may also constrain his diplomacy with Beijing: Bloomberg said bipartisan support for a tougher approach to China could limit further U.S. outreach.
Russia’s continued bombardment sets the backdrop for another winter in Ukraine. Bloomberg reported the election may improve the standing of advocates seeking more U.S. support for Kyiv. In comments to RIA, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow would keep its policy toward Ukraine unchanged.
Iran remains a central concern for U.S. allies. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure told RMC radio Nov. 4, “On international affairs, he remains in charge.” Lescure also said Trump could be unpredictable. Some European officials had privately worried for weeks that Trump might escalate with Iran after the midterms, Bloomberg reported. In comments to the Financial Times, Trump said he did not plan an immediate escalation with Tehran.
The Associated Press earlier reported that U.S. officials urged regional governments and allies to prepare for possible post-election military action; EconoTimes covered the account in an earlier report on allied preparations. Trump’s Iran decisions over the coming weeks will draw attention as allies assess how he uses his foreign-policy latitude, Bloomberg reported.
Bloomberg reported Democrats will remain short of the votes needed to override a presidential veto. Singapore’s former permanent secretary for foreign affairs Bilahari Kausikan pointed to Trump’s response after losing the House in his first term as a reason to expect continuity. He forecast fights over the budget and debt ceiling, along with attempts to impeach administration officials, but expected little change in policy on China, Iran or tariffs.
A senior official warned European Union colleagues not to count on improved trans-Atlantic ties and urged continued efforts to reduce the bloc’s reliance on Washington, Bloomberg reported. Congress is due to change hands in about two months.
