Democrats win both chambers of Congress in US midterms, but the White House keeps control of foreign policy

Summary

Democrats swept the US midterm elections, taking control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate when the new Congress convenes in January and ending the control President Donald Trump had enjoyed since his return to the White House. Democrats flipped Senate seats in Republican strongholds. Their victories reflected widespread frustration with the Iran war, rising living costs and Trump's leadership. The change has not moved control of foreign policy from the White House to Congress, and an opinion piece argues that this weakened grip on Congress complicates talks with China.

Timeline

1. South China Morning Post

   5 Nov 2026, 08:30 UTCSource ↗

   In an opinion piece, the South China Morning Post argues that the Democratic midterm sweep has not shifted foreign policy control from the White House to Congress, which complicates talks with China.

2. South China Morning Post

   5 Nov 2026, 12:15 UTCSource ↗

   In a roundup of its midterm coverage, the South China Morning Post reports that Democrats seized both chambers of Congress, flipping Senate seats in Republican strongholds and ending Trump's control, and it examines the effects on China.