Trump midterm defeat opens new pressure at home and abroad

Donald Trump entered the final two years of his presidency under mounting pressure after Republicans lost both the House and Senate in the midterms. The result handed Democrats power to block legislation, investigate the administration and challenge nominees, while exposing Republican unease over Trump’s tariffs, the Iran war and White House renovation fights. Abroad, trade partners from China to Europe and key Asian allies including Japan and South Korea may see more room to slow or resist Trump’s economic demands, though officials and analysts cautioned he still holds veto power and could respond with more aggressive unilateral action.