The Democrats have won control of both the House of Representatives and Senate. The midterm election result means Donald Trump’s Republican Party has lost control of Congress and will have a harder time passing new laws or appointing new officials.
So, what happens now?
Legislation
Once Congress turns over, Democrats will be able to block partisan legislation pushed by Republicans.
And they have made a plan for their first 100 hours of House control, which the New York Times describes as a “shock-and-awe legislative sprint”.
It includes introducing bills aimed at removing tariffs, ending the Iran war and cutting health insurance costs, according to multiple reports.
But the party will still lack the power to pass them into law, for two reasons.
Firstly, getting a bill through the Senate requires 60 senators to agree to bring it to a vote.
Even if Democrats win a majority of the Senate’s 100 seats, they are almost certain to fall short of 60.
Secondly, Trump has the power to veto a bill unless it has two-thirds support in both chambers.
Investigations
Winning the House gives the Democrats hefty investigative powers, with the authority to subpoena documents and witnesses.
They have indicated they intend to open congressional probes into Trump and connections between his family’s business interests and his presidential powers.
Trump officials and allies could also face investigations.
Impeachment?
Some Democrats want to see Trump impeached for a third time, but the party is split over this.
Democrats could impeach him with a House majority, but convicting him and removing him from office would require two-thirds of the Senate.
Democratic figures like Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton have said they do not support impeaching Trump and the party should put its energy elsewhere.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appears to be a more likely target for impeachment. If Democrats pursue that effort, it could get support from members of both parties.
A resolution to impeach Hegseth has already been introduced by outgoing Republican Thomas Massie. It relates to US actions in Iran, Venezuela, Yemen and elsewhere.
Lame duck session
The new Congress will not be sworn in until January 3.
Members of the current Congress will return on November 9 with significant work left to do.
A top priority will be passing new government funding bills before December 11, when existing funding expires.
If new funding bills are not passed before the deadline, there will be another shutdown of government services.
It would be the fourth shutdown of Trump’s second presidency, and could mean more political chaos before the year is out.
Hiring and firing
The president requires the support of the Senate to get the people he wants into positions of power.
A majority of senators must vote to confirm the president’s picks for roles like cabinet secretaries and Supreme Court justices.
So the Democrats’ new-found Senate majority means they should find it easier to block Trump’s nominations.