Can Democrats stop Iran war, reverse Trump’s tariffs after midterms win?

What the report says

Democrats won control of the US House of Representatives and Senate in the November 3 midterm elections, dealing President Donald Trump’s Republican Party a major setback, Al Jazeera reported on November 4. The new Congress, due to convene in January, is expected to give Democrats power to slow Trump’s agenda, investigate his administration and block legislation they oppose, although they still lack the votes needed to override a presidential veto.

According to Al Jazeera, one of the main questions is whether Democrats can constrain Trump’s war in Iran. The article said Trump began the campaign with Israel without congressional authorisation and could still direct military action, but lawmakers may try to restrict funding when the current government spending bill expires on December 11. Analysts cited by the outlet said the War Powers Resolution is unlikely to stop the president because Congress does not have the supermajority needed to overcome a veto.

The report also said Democrats may try to challenge Trump’s tariff policy. Trump’s trade measures have already faced legal disputes, and some tariffs are limited in duration unless extended by Congress. While a Democratic majority could seek temporary relief for some exporters, the article said broader changes would likely have to wait until the next presidential election.

Beyond foreign policy and trade, Al Jazeera said Democratic control of committees opens the door to investigations into Trump’s business interests, his administration’s immigration policies, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s handling of the Iran conflict. The article also noted that both parties are expected to keep pushing tougher restrictions on China’s access to advanced technology.