How a Democratic Congress could reshape US foreign policy after the midterms
Analysts say a Democratic win in the House or Senate could curb President Trump's foreign actions by limiting war powers, restoring aid to Ukraine, reducing support for Israel and scaling back military spending.
Nonpartisan analysts outline four ways a Democratic Congress could rein in President Trump's foreign policy. First, they could leverage defense-spending cuts and mandatory testimony to compel Trump to obtain congressional consent for the ongoing Iran war. Second, control of both chambers would let Democrats schedule and approve new aid for Ukraine, potentially overriding a Trump veto and blocking his move to lift sanctions on Russian diesel.
Third, they could curtail the $3.8 billion in annual military assistance to Israel, a figure that has drawn growing Democratic opposition amid the Gaza conflict. Fourth, Democrats are expected to oppose the steep military-budget increase sought by Trump and work to restore foreign aid that the administration has reduced or withheld. Representative Gregory Meeks of New York could lead the House Foreign Affairs Committee if Democrats take the House.
Why it matters
A Democratic Congress could significantly alter US global actions, affecting wars, aid and defense spending.
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