Key facts
- Democrats could gain control of the US House and possibly the Senate in the November 3 midterm elections.
- Democrats argue Republicans have allowed Trump's administration to declare war and control spending without congressional approval.
- Trump launched the war with Iran without congressional approval.
- Trump has largely halted direct US financial and military aid to Ukraine.
- Support for Israel has plummeted among Democrats over its conduct in the Gaza war.
- Trump asked for a 67% increase in the military budget this year, to $1.5 trillion, which Democrats blocked.
Democrats could reshape US policy on China and other foreign affairs if they win control of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections, analysts said. They would seek greater accountability for President Donald Trump's dealings with Beijing and could curb his foreign policy decisions.
Democrats argue that Republicans have allowed Trump's administration to declare war and control spending, even though the US Constitution reserves those powers for lawmakers. With control of the House or the Senate, Democrats could cut defense spending to pressure Trump to obtain permission from Congress to continue the war with Iran. They could also require administration officials to testify publicly about their plans.
Trump has largely halted direct US financial and military aid to Ukraine, despite broad support from Democratic and Republican lawmakers. With a victory in both chambers in November, Democrats would be able to decide what gets voted on and when. That could allow them to approve new aid to Ukraine, which likely would pass with the two-thirds majorities needed to overcome a Trump veto.
Support for Israel has plummeted among Democrats over its conduct in the Gaza war. Democrats could limit or end military aid to Israel, which amounted to $3.8 billion in the most recent fiscal year. Trump asked for an unprecedented 67% increase in the military budget this year, to $1.5 trillion, but Democrats blocked it in the Senate.