The 2026 midterm results brought Democrats a major congressional wave, potentially rivaling the landmark gains of 1994 and 2010, even though losses for the president’s party are common in midterms.

With Democrats controlling Congress, Trump could face obstacles to confirming judges and Cabinet members, and much of his legislative agenda may stall; Democrats would still need substantial Republican support to override a veto.

The article argues Trump’s priority should be keeping congressional Republicans united, while warning Democrats against abolishing the filibuster: without the White House, they could pass bills only to have Trump veto them.

Democratic leaders may also struggle to restrain a newly elected left wing that includes 25 progressives and six socialists, whose priorities the article says have limited support among many voters.

The article cautions that opposition parties can overreach after major victories, pointing to Tea Party Senate candidates and Republicans’ investigations and impeachment effort during Bill Clinton’s presidency.

Still, a loss of Congress does not necessarily leave a president powerless: the article cites Bill Clinton and Barack Obama as examples of presidents who remained active through executive action, foreign policy and selective cooperation with the opposition.

Trump could use his remaining 27 months to pursue foreign-policy goals, including ending the war in Ukraine or resolving the conflict with Iran, and could benefit from stronger economic growth in 2027.

The Democratic wave could give the party an advantage in 2028, but the article argues Republicans should not panic: Democratic overreach could improve their prospects, and Trump retains meaningful power despite the midterm defeat.