Trump suffers historic defeat and Democrats take control of the U.S. Congress

The Democrats won control of the Estados Unidos Congress in the midterm elections held on Tuesday (3). The result represents an expressive political defeat for President Donald Trump, who has lost the support of voters in traditionally Republican states. With the victory, the opposition comes to control both the House of Representatives and the Senate, altering the balance of forces in Washington.

The change comes after two years of Republican rule in the U.S. legislature. The Democratic performance was driven mainly by voters’ dissatisfaction with the rising cost of living, the economic impacts of the war against Iran, and the decisions adopted by the Trump administration.

Democrats advance in historically Republican states

The election was marked by surprising results in regions considered conservative redoubts. In Kansas, Democrats won a Senate seat for the first time since 1932, ending a long period of Republican dominance.

In South Carolina, where Trump won the 2024 presidential election with a wide advantage, the candidate backed by the president ended up defeated.

Another significant result occurred in Texas, the traditional Republican Party fortress. The Democrats won the contest for a seat in the Senate and also won the state government, interrupting decades of political domination of the opponents.

The victories demonstrate a major change in the behavior of the electorate, including among segments that had contributed to Trump’s re-election in 2024.

Defeat could make Trump’s last two years difficult

With the new composition of the Congress, Donald Trump will face greater obstacles to implement its proposals during the remaining two years of mandate.

The Democratic majority will allow the government to expand oversight, open parliamentary investigations and demand negotiations on projects considered priority by the government.

The Senate will also be able to block presidential nominations for strategic positions, including eventual appointments to the Supreme Court of Estados Unidos.

In the House of Representatives, the opposition could make it difficult to pass measures advocated by Casa Branca, increasing the possibility of political deadlocks between the powers.

Despite the defeat, Trump acknowledged the election results and signaled willingness to negotiate certain issues with Democrats. He also said he could veto proposals he considers unacceptable.

Cost of living and war against Iran weighed on the ballot box

The economy was among the main factors that influenced the vote. Increased household spending, concern about fuel prices and the consequences of commercial tariffs have contributed to the government’s wear and tear.

The war against Iran has also provoked dissatisfaction among Americans, especially by the effects on energy prices and the continuation of the conflict.

Those factors helped Democrats win votes in conservative regions and among voters who previously supported the Republican president.

The result changes the political scenario for 2028

The victory of the opposition also influences the 2028 presidential contest. Constitutionally prevented from running for a third term, Trump may face difficulties in preserving his influence within the Republican Party.

At the same time, the conquest of the two legislative houses strengthens the Democrats and expands their ability to submit proposals and oversee the federal government.

The new parliamentarians will assume their mandates in January 2027, when a new phase of divided government in the Estados Unidos will begin.

The outcome of the elections could also have an impact on international relations, including trade negotiations with Brazil, as the U.S. Congress exerts influence on economic and foreign policy decisions.