Washington: The Democratic Party has announced plans to hold President Donald Trump accountable and limit his powers following a sweeping victory in the US midterm elections, raising the prospect of heightened political tensions and legislative gridlock in Washington over the next two years.
Democrats secured a majority in the Senate with 54 seats while also gaining 30 seats in the House of Representatives. Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said his party’s priorities would include addressing inflation and holding the Trump administration accountable for its policies.
In his first public address following the election defeat, President Trump gave a tour of the new ballroom under construction at the White House, saying he wanted to make the building the best possible symbol of the United States.
Trump expressed his willingness to cooperate with Democrats but warned that he would use his presidential veto power if they created difficulties for his administration.
The war with Iran, rising inflation, and Trump’s economic policies are being cited as major factors behind the Republican Party’s electoral defeat.
In Texas, Democrats won a Senate seat for the first time since 1988, while Kansas elected a Democratic senator for the first time in a century.
Meanwhile, Senate results in Alaska and Mississippi are still pending, with the possibility of increasing the Democratic majority to 56 seats.
Following the convening of the new Congress in January, Democrats will be able to use their legislative powers to launch investigations into the Trump administration, impose conditions on key legislation, and block the approval of presidential nominations.
The election outcome is expected to significantly reshape the political landscape in Washington, placing greater pressure on the Trump administration and potentially complicating its legislative agenda.