The Democrats' Congress has become a significant power center in Washington by gaining control of the House of Representatives and the Senate in the recent midterm elections. These changes are particularly notable in the realm of foreign policy and the warmongering actions of the Trump administration. During their election campaign, the Democrats stated that the Republicans had ceded warmongering powers and congressional spending to the Trump administration, and now they are expected to use their new influence to limit these powers.
Possible Restrictions on Trump's War Policies
The Trump administration initiated a war with Iran without congressional approval, alongside Israel. The Democrats have repeatedly voted to end this war without congressional authorization. With the new power the Democrats have gained, they can reduce defense spending or suspend confirmations of nominees to pressure Trump into obtaining congressional approval for continuing the war. They may also demand that government officials keep Congress and the public informed about their plans.
Changes in Financial and Military Policies
The Trump administration has significantly halted financial and military aid to Ukraine, while there is broad support from both the Democratic and Republican parties for assisting Ukraine. In particular, Trump's recent decisions to lift sanctions on Russian fuels and release them from sanctions have angered many congressional representatives, including Republicans.
With the Democrats taking control of both chambers in January, they will be able to determine what issues are voted on and when. It is possible that they will approve new aid to Ukraine, which could likely pass with a two-thirds majority to override Trump's veto. Democratic officials have stated that aiding Kyiv is one of their main priorities.
The Democrats may also focus on other activities of Trump. For example, Gregory Meeks, a Democratic representative from New York and likely the chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has proposed a bipartisan plan to block Trump's initiative to return Russian fuels to the global market.
In terms of support for Israel, Democratic support has significantly decreased. Israel's actions in the Gaza war, which have resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians, as well as Benjamin Netanyahu's close alliance with Republicans, are considered influential factors in this decline in support.
The Democrats may limit or halt military aid to Israel. This aid includes a base amount of $3.8 billion per year, which has sharply increased following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. Nearly half of the Democratic representatives in the House voted last summer to cut aid to Israel. Some of those who voted against this effort, including Meeks, have supported limiting the supply of heavy weapons to Israel.
Compared to past presidents, the Trump administration has acted aggressively in the Western Hemisphere. It has also imposed sanctions against the communist government of Cuba and made threats of military action to change its regime. Some Democrats have called for investigations into Trump's actions in Venezuela, while others have condemned the harsh sanctions against civilians in Cuba.
Read more: Democrats' victory in the U.S. midterm elections and a review of Trump's power · Sultan of Oman's visit to China; a historic step in strengthening bilateral relations
