President Donald Trump prepares for his final two years facing Democratic Congress

President Donald Trump is preparing to navigate the final two years of his presidency under a Democratic-controlled Congress. The New York Times, Al Jazeera, and FTMQ News reported that Democrats won control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the 2026 midterm elections. The New York Times stated that Democrats cleared 250 House seats, while earlier reporting by FTMQ News noted that the party flipped more than 40 House seats to secure its majority. [2][6][14][15]

The Washington Examiner noted that Trump is one of only six presidents to enter his final two years in office following the ratification of the 22nd Amendment, which constitutionally precludes him from seeking another term. Outlets indicated that the shift in power will set up policy battles between the White House and Capitol Hill. The Japan Times, Forbes, and the New York Post reported that Democrats plan to challenge Trump over his tariffs, including those targeting Canada. [1][5][7][11]

Foreign policy will also face scrutiny from the incoming legislature. The South China Morning Post reported that analysts expect the Democratic Congress to push for faster arms sales to Taiwan while maintaining broader policy towards the island. Additionally, the Guardian reported that a Democratic-controlled Congress will attempt to constrain Trump's foreign actions, while NPR reported that lawmakers will evaluate his emerging global health strategy. [3][4][10][12]

Democrats are also expected to target Trump's domestic initiatives. HuffPost reported that his projects in Washington, D.C., are likely casualties of the transition to Democratic control. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera examined whether Trump could use his presidential veto to halt legislative action from the Democratic majority as lawmakers prepare to take over Congress in January. [6][7][9]