Democratic Congress Win Puts Trump Foreign Policy on Iran and Ukraine Under Scrutiny

The update

Democrats have won majorities in both the House and the Senate in the US midterm elections, flipping control of Congress from President Donald Trump’s Republicans. Experts told DW and CNBC the result gives Democrats leverage over legislation, government spending and oversight, including the administration’s handling of the wars involving Iran and Ukraine. Both outlets note Trump remains president and retains significant authority over foreign policy, carried out by him and his appointed officials.

Why it matters

Congress controls funding, so Democrats could push for more aid to Ukraine, where the Trump administration has reduced support, and could try to limit spending on the war against Iran, which the United States and Israel began on February 28, 2026. Analysts cautioned that change would be limited: such legislation could face a presidential veto, and overriding a veto requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers.

What to watch

Watch for votes on Iran war powers, any Ukraine aid legislation, and oversight hearings into foreign policy and the closure of USAID, the US development agency. Experts expect closer scrutiny of the administration, even if no complete policy reversal follows.

Sources

• dw.com — confirms Congress’s powers over legislation, spending and oversight, and possible effects on Ukraine, Iran and aid
• cnbc.com — confirms Democrats won both chambers and experts’ view that Trump retains foreign-policy authority under greater scrutiny

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