WASHINGTON: The U.S. midterm elections have delivered an unexpected shock to President Donald Trump and the ruling Republican Party, abruptly shifting the balance of power in Washington. The opposition Democratic Party has secured a clear majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The defeat has not only broken Republican dominance but also exposed internal divisions within the White House. Differences between Trump and Vice President JD Vance, in particular, have become a subject of intense discussion.
In the 435-seat House, where 218 is the majority mark, Democrats won 228 seats, giving them firm control. Republicans were restricted to 139.
In the 100-seat Senate, Democrats crossed the 51 seats needed for a majority and won 54. Republicans secured 44.
The Democratic surge extended to the state level. Governor elections were held in 36 states, and of the 34 results declared so far, Democrats have won 22 and Republicans 12. Counting continues in the remaining two.
The numbers pose a major challenge for the Trump administration in the coming days. Advancing key bills, policy decisions and budget proposals without the approval of Congress will no longer be easy.