Deutsche Welle reported today (November 4, Beijing time): U.S. midterm elections were held on Tuesday local time (November 3), with early results emerging from multiple states. North Carolina became the first state to flip from Republican to Democratic control in this election cycle. Preliminary overall results are expected within a few hours. This election is widely seen as a mid-term evaluation of Donald Trump’s second term, determining which party will control Congress and whether Trump will become a “lame-duck president” over the next two years.
This election features a full renewal of all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, with 35 of the Senate’s 100 seats up for re-election. Additionally, gubernatorial elections will take place in 36 states. Representatives serve two-year terms, senators six-year terms, and governors four-year terms.
Prior to the election, analyses widely favored the Democrats, while Trump’s approval ratings hovered near historic lows. A joint survey by Reuters and Ipsos conducted on October 2 showed that only 32% of respondents approved of Trump’s performance in office.
Commentary: Latest developments indicate the Democrats have secured control of both chambers of Congress, meaning Trump will face a legislative body entirely dominated by opposition lawmakers over the next two years—potentially rendering him a “lame-duck president.” The midterm election effectively serves as a public assessment of Trump’s second term; the high level of disapproval reflects widespread voter dissatisfaction with economic conditions, living standards, and foreign policy under his administration. While Trump retains executive authority, any legislative initiative—including budget appropriations, foreign aid, or domestic policy measures—must pass through Congress. With Democratic control, they can exercise significant leverage to check his agenda. Whether it concerns funding for Ukraine, tariff policies, or social welfare legislation, Trump will encounter substantial obstacles in advancing his priorities.
However, the Democratic Party itself is not monolithic. Divergent positions exist between moderate and progressive factions: some advocate continued support for Ukraine and a hardline foreign posture, while others prioritize domestic issues such as inflation and healthcare, resisting prolonged military expenditures abroad. The election result has shifted the balance of power in Washington but does not guarantee the Democrats’ ability to fully implement their agenda. Over the coming two years, debates over budgets, foreign policy, and trade tariffs are likely to intensify. Trump, meanwhile, is unlikely to cease exerting political pressure.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880900818232393/
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