Midterm Results to Decide if Congress Can Outvote Trump on War and Aid
Voters decide the balance of power in Congress Tuesday, determining if lawmakers can override presidential vetoes on Ukraine support and the Iran conflict.
By Ayanda Boateng ·
The outcome of Tuesday's midterm elections will determine whether the United States Congress can override the president's veto on major foreign policy issues, a power that requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers. This specific threshold is the deciding factor for legislation regarding Ukraine aid and the war in Iran.
President Donald Trump currently commands Republican majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This alignment simplifies the process of passing executive priorities. Recent polling indicates that Democrats may capture the House and potentially the Senate. Such a shift would alter the legislative checks on the executive branch, particularly in areas where the president and Congress hold conflicting views on foreign engagements.
The constitutional framework grants Congress the authority to declare war and approve funding for military operations. President Trump initiated the conflict with Iran alongside Israel on February 28 without seeking a formal declaration from Congress. Democrats have consistently voted against the war. They passed a resolution with some Republican support to end hostilities, but the administration has disregarded the measure.
Michael O'Hanlon, director of research for foreign policy at the Brookings Institution, noted that Congress may not hold huge powers in this specific conflict. He added that lawmakers could still prevent major escalation by refusing to fund it. This financial leverage becomes the primary tool if Democrats gain greater control of the legislative agenda.
Support for Ukraine has fluctuated under the current administration. During the administration of Joe Biden, the United States provided substantial financial aid and weapons to Ukraine following the Russian invasion. Under Trump, the US suspended sanctions against Russia and reduced military assistance. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received a cold reception during his 2025 visit to the White House. Trump stated that he gets along better with Russian President Vladimir Putin than with Zelenskyy.
Brandon Conradis, an editor at Bloomberg Government and former journalist, stated that Democrats criticize the current administration for insufficient support for Ukraine. He explained that a Democratic majority could push legislation to provide more aid. If Trump vetoes such bills, the two-thirds majority needed to override the veto could be reached with support from some Republicans.
Development aid has also faced abrupt changes. President Trump shut down the United States Agency for International Development shortly after beginning his second term. This action sharply cut back support for global projects fighting Ebola, AIDS, and hunger. A Democratic-controlled Congress could investigate the closure and push for increased spending. Conradis said Democrats would use oversight power to scrutinize the agency's closing, with hearings bringing responsible officials before Congress.
The elections will define the next phase of US foreign policy. The balance of power in Washington will dictate how much influence the legislative branch exerts over the executive branch. Voters will cast ballots this Tuesday to determine the composition of the House and Senate.
The results will set the stage for legislative battles over war powers, international aid, and sanctions. The specific numbers in Congress will determine if the president's veto remains the final word or if Congress can assert its constitutional role as a check on executive authority in foreign affairs.
