Democrats poised to curb Trump’s foreign policy as Congress shifts

Democrats taking control of Congress will likely move to limit President Trump’s foreign policy initiatives, the Guardian reported.

The president still retains veto power, which he can use to shape policy on tariffs, the war in Iran and aid for Ukraine. The Guardian said a U.S. election may have been decided by foreign policy, noting that Trump’s war in Iran and international tariffs are seen as key factors behind inflationary pressures that pushed many voters away from his party on Tuesday. The outcome was described as a "generational wipeout" for Republicans.

In the months ahead, the president is expected to face severe headwinds as Democrats regain congressional dominance. Lawmakers are poised to launch investigations of some top envoys and Pentagon contractors, engage in major budget battles tied to the Iran war, and increase scrutiny of U.S. relationships with allies such as Israel.

Why it matters

Congressional control will shape the United States’ approach to Iran, trade and Ukraine aid, potentially altering the president’s foreign agenda.

Key details

Location

United States · Americas

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

5 Nov 2026, 12:30 IST

Key names

Democratic-controlled Congress, Donald Trump, Iran, Trump

Section

Politics

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianA Democratic-controlled Congress will likely try to constrain Trump’s foreign adventures 5 Nov, 12:30

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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