Democrats Take Control of Both Congressional Chambers
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz predicts Donald Trump will keep making decisions without consulting Congress after the midterm elections.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Legislative Policy
Live Poll
Do you think a Democratic Congress will meaningfully limit President Trump's power?
Democrats gained control of both chambers of Congress in the November 3, 2026 midterm elections, though final results have not yet been tallied. Trump said he is ready to accept the results and work with the Democrats.
Why it matters
Trump largely governed without consulting Congress over the past two years, and the shift in congressional control could change how legislation moves in Washington. Democrats will be able to decide for themselves starting in January which legislation to put to a vote.
Democrats hold at least 54 Senate seats, above the 51 needed for a majority, and more than 231 House seats, above the 218 required. Final tallies from the November 3 midterms are still pending.
The players
Friedrich Merz
Friedrich Merz is the Chancellor of Germany, who predicted Trump will continue governing without consulting Congress.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump is the current President of the United States, whose governing approach and reaction to the midterm results are at the center of the story.
The details
Reuters reported that Democrats will decide starting in January what to put to a vote, including new aid to Ukraine. Merz said the budget plan and the plan for the armed forces will change, and a Ukraine aid package would likely garner enough votes to override a veto by President Donald Trump.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: U.S. midterm elections held.
November 4, 2026: Reuters reports Democrats gained congressional control.
January 2027: Democrats begin deciding which legislation to vote on.
Political Context
The shift follows two years in which Trump largely governed without consulting Congress, a pattern Merz expects to continue. With Democrats now controlling both chambers, legislative priorities such as Ukraine aid could move forward and potentially override a presidential veto.
Control of both chambers gives Democrats the ability to set the congressional agenda, which could affect federal spending and foreign aid decisions. Legislation that might previously have stalled could advance, and any bill passed over a presidential objection would need enough votes to override a veto.
The takeaway
Divided government has ended for the first time in two years, so watch whether Congress begins reclaiming its role in shaping policy. The coming months will show how the new majorities use their power.
What happens next
Democrats will begin deciding which legislation to put to a vote in January 2027.
Further reading
For more on how congressional control shapes lawmaking, explore Legislative Policy coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Цензор.
Live Poll
Do you think a Democratic Congress will meaningfully limit President Trump's power?
