Trump In Trouble? 5 Things Democrats Could Do With Control Of Congress

Democrats have secured control of both chambers of the United States Congress in the November 2026 midterm elections, dealing a major political setback to President Donald Trump and the Republican Party.

With majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate, Democrats are positioned to exercise greater oversight over the Trump administration, challenge some of its policies, influence government spending and nominations, and potentially initiate fresh investigations into the president and members of his administration.

 Here are five things De could do with their new congressional majority.

1. Launch Investigations Into Trump, His Family And Administration

With control of congressional committees, Democrats will have the authority to summon witnesses, demand government documents, issue subpoenas and hold public hearings to examine alleged misconduct and possible conflicts of interest within the administration.

Among the issues expected to attract attention is the business empire of the Trump family. Representative Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, has identified alleged corruption involving the president’s family as a major priority. Representative Jamie Raskin has also sought information about the business dealings of Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and his son, Donald Trump Jr.

Another major area of interest is the handling of files relating to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Democrats could investigate the Justice Department’s release of the files, including allegations of excessive redactions, delays in disclosure and the accidental exposure of victims’ identities.

They could also scrutinise the Pentagon over reports of defence contracts and government funds allegedly benefiting companies linked to the Trump family, as well as investigate immigration enforcement operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

2. Block Trump’s Legislative Agenda

A Democratic majority in both chambers could make it considerably more difficult for Trump to push through his legislative priorities.

Under the US legislative system, bills must pass both the House and Senate before they can be presented to the president for approval. Democrats can therefore prevent legislation from advancing by withholding support, particularly where Republicans cannot secure bipartisan backing.

Issues likely to face resistance include additional funding for Trump’s proposed border wall, tougher immigration restrictions and other policies central to his administration’s agenda.

Democrats could also use their control of congressional committees and legislative proceedings to scrutinise proposed government spending and demand concessions from the White House before supporting major bills.

However, congressional control does not automatically mean Democrats can override the president.

3. Reverse Trump’s Economic And Healthcare Policies

One of their major priorities is expected to be the reversal or reduction of Trump’s tariffs, which have attracted criticism over their potential impact on businesses, consumers and the cost of imported goods.

They are also expected to push for the restoration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance premium subsidies, which help millions of Americans afford health coverage.

Another major target is the reversal of Medicaid cuts contained in Trump’s signature domestic policy legislation, with Democrats arguing that the reductions could leave vulnerable Americans with reduced access to healthcare.

The party has also indicated interest in raising the federal minimum wage and pursuing measures to reduce the cost of housing, groceries, energy and childcare.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has previously outlined these priorities as part of the party’s proposed first 100 days in control of the chamber.

4. Challenge Trump’s Foreign Policy And Military Actions

Democrats can demand explanations from the Pentagon and the White House over military operations, defence spending and the administration’s broader security strategy.

They could push for war-powers resolutions aimed at restricting or ending US military involvement in Iran, question the legality and cost of military operations, and scrutinise proposed arms sales and foreign aid arrangements.

Colorado Congressman Jason Crow, who serves on the House Armed Services and Intelligence committees, has indicated that the Pentagon would be among his early priorities for investigation, citing reports of defence funds being directed towards companies linked to Trump’s family.

Congress also has constitutional authority over declarations of war and significant influence over military funding. However, the president retains considerable authority as commander-in-chief, meaning Democrats would need to navigate potential resistance from the White House.

5. Block Trump’s Nominees And Consider Impeachment

The Senate has constitutional authority to confirm or reject presidential nominees, including cabinet secretaries, ambassadors and federal judges. This means Democrats could block or delay appointments they consider unsuitable, forcing the administration to negotiate or reconsider its choices.

The power could become particularly significant if a vacancy arises on the Supreme Court, as Democrats would have the opportunity to prevent Trump from securing confirmation of a nominee.

Beyond appointments, Democrats could also face renewed pressure from their supporters to initiate impeachment proceedings against Trump for a third time.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has indicated that his party has not ruled out impeachment, while Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise has predicted that Democrats could attempt to pursue it from the first day of their new majority.

Trump was previously impeached twice during his first presidency. In 2019, the House accused him of abusing his office in connection with Ukraine, while his second impeachment in 2021 followed the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. He was acquitted by the Senate on both occasions.