Democratic control of both houses of the US Congress gives Nicosia and Athens more room to press their case in Washington, international relations analyst Pambos Chrysostomou told Phileleftheros. It does not, however, guarantee a change in US policy in the region, he said.
Cyprus, Greece and the EU
For Cyprus and Greece, the focus is on developments in the eastern Mediterranean, Greek-Turkish relations and Washington’s stance towards Turkey, according to Chrysostomou.
Trump’s defeat in the US midterm congressional elections does not automatically mean a change in US foreign policy, as the president retains significant powers over defence and international relations. However, a Democratic-controlled Congress could exercise greater oversight of White House decisions, particularly on military operations, NATO and international alliances.
For the EU, he believes the result may create room to improve transatlantic relations, which have been tested by the US administration’s choices.
Impact on Trump
Losing both the House of Representatives and the Senate is a serious political blow for President Donald Trump, in Chrysostomou’s view. The Democrats can now control congressional committees, carry out investigations and put more pressure on the administration, making it harder for Trump to push through his legislative agenda. He keeps his constitutional powers but loses the political ease he has enjoyed so far, and his standing as the undisputed leader of the Republicans is challenged.
Chrysostomou attributes the defeat mainly to high prices, the rising cost of living, fuel prices and wider dissatisfaction with government policy. The military involvement with Iran, its effects on the energy market and allegations of abuse of power also fuelled challenges to the president, he argues.
MAGA’s limits
The result shows the difficulty the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement has in attracting moderate and independent voters. It is not the end of the movement, Chrysostomou says, but a clear warning about the limits of its influence. Trump still has strong influence in the Republican Party and significant support from his base, but losing Congress weakens his image of political dominance and strengthens voices within the party calling for a change of strategy ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
The next two years will be decisive for Trump and the Republicans, he says. He sees a real possibility that the 2026 midterms will come to be seen as the start of a post-MAGA era in American politics, if the Democrats manage to capitalise on their win.
