Democrats claim 54 Senate seats to check presidential power

President Donald Trump faces a sharper congressional check in his final two years after Democrats won control of both houses of Congress. The party shift moves the center of gravity to Capitol Hill, where the new majority intends to scrutinize administration actions that faced limited resistance during the first two years of the current term.

The election results reflect voter rejection of several Republican candidates handpicked by the president. Voters also expressed concern over rising costs linked to the administration's tariff policies and its ongoing military conflict with Iran. Trump had framed the midterm election as a referendum on his leadership, urging supporters to vote as if he were on the ballot.

During a Fox News interview that aired early Wednesday, Trump attributed the losses primarily to the performance of his party's candidates. He said the Democrats ran effective campaigns and stated that he did not view the results as a direct hit on him. The president watched the returns at the White House with cabinet members and advisers.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York announced a 100-day agenda for the new majority. The plan includes measures to lower the costs of gas and groceries, as well as bills to reverse recent cuts to the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid. The group also plans to expand oversight efforts to hold government officials accountable for their conduct.

Oversight priorities include investigations into the Trump family's business dealings and the administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Democrats will use committee control and subpoena powers to compel document production. Rep. Robert Garcia of California, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, warned officials to prepare for legal scrutiny. Sen. Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, indicated the committee would issue subpoenas immediately.

Senate Democrats hold at least 54 of 100 seats, giving them the power to block presidential nominations for cabinet posts and lifetime federal judgeships. This dynamic mirrors the second term of the first Trump presidency, when House Democrats impeached the president twice. The new majority also includes a group of democratic socialists who will join the leadership team.

Trump has prepared for legislative conflicts by emphasizing his veto power. On Tuesday night, he shared an image of his signature red ball cap with the word VETO stitched on it. The White House may also assert executive privilege over certain information, a strategy used during the previous congressional majority.

Republicans face their own challenges in the remaining weeks before the new Congress convenes. Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana, who joked about starting a lawn care business in Shreveport if his party lost power, now faces rivals seeking to replace him. The group will attempt to pass priority legislation during the lame-duck session, though hopes for major tax or spending packages are limited as defeated members prepare to leave office.

Conservatives are watching for the opportunity to confirm a new Supreme Court justice while the Republican holds a minority in the Senate. However, no current justice has announced plans to step aside. The government may face a funding shutdown next month if Congress fails to pass a continuing resolution.

The parties will hold internal leadership elections in the coming weeks as members-elect arrive for freshman orientation. The House will vote to choose its next speaker as one of the first official actions when the new Congress opens.