Trump faces potential Democratic probes after midterms
Polls show low approval ratings on the economy, while Republicans prepare for a final two-year stretch in office.
By Justin Barnes ·
President Donald Trump is preparing for a turbulent final stretch of his term as midterm election results begin to roll in on Tuesday. If Republicans lose control of Congress, the administration expects to face immediate pressure from Democratic-led investigations into its policies and business dealings.
The White House views the upcoming elections as a direct referendum on the president. Trump has repeatedly urged voters to pretend he is on the ballot, a strategy designed to activate his base. This approach has made the race highly personal, with Democrats framing the unpopular president as the primary target for voter dissatisfaction with the current state of the economy.
Data from The AP Voter Poll indicates that enthusiasm for Trump’s leadership is low among the electorate. Approximately two-thirds of voters nationwide believe his policies have worsened economic conditions, while only about 30 percent say they have improved them. A similar majority of respondents stated that his tariff policies have hurt the national or local economy. More than half of voters also indicated that Trump is not a strong leader and prioritizes his personal interests over the country's.
Senate candidate Andy Kim of New Jersey noted the intense focus on the president during his recent campaign stops in Iowa, Georgia, and Texas. "Everyone is thinking about him and the harm that he has done to them directly," Kim said. This sentiment reflects a broader Democratic strategy to link economic struggles directly to the administration's actions.
If Democrats secure a majority in at least one chamber, they plan to use subpoena powers and expanded budgets to scrutinize the Trump administration. California Representative Robert Garcia, who is expected to lead the House Oversight Committee, has already outlined a agenda to demand accountability for Immigration and Customs Enforcement tactics. His priorities also include the Trump family’s business dealings and the administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Trump has expressed confidence in his ability to withstand legislative challenges, citing his veto power. "I hope that that won’t be the case, but if it is, that’s happened before with many presidents," Trump told reporters last week. He suggested that a strong veto position would lead to eventual deals with Congress.
The president has also signaled that a Democratic majority might pursue a third impeachment, a move he has previously dismissed. "I’ve become very good at beating them in impeachment," Trump said to a crowd in Oklahoma. Democratic leadership, including potential House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries, has indicated they may instead target top cabinet members, specifically Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, for oversight and potential removal.
Trump’s campaign strategy included marathon rallies in conservative states and a promise to send $5,000 to every adult if Republicans win. His closing speech on Monday was delivered at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, where he spent much of the time discussing plans to beautify Washington, D.C., rather than detailing his legislative agenda for the final two years of his term.
