Foto: BB.LV / Вето Дональда Трампа
This was stated by Sandis Šrāders, a senior researcher at the Latvian Institute of International Affairs, in the program [TV3](https://tv3.lv/zinas/arvalstis/vai-eiropai-ir-pamats-priecaties-par-asv-vidustermina-velesanu-rezultatiem/) "900 Seconds." ### Election Results Surprised Even Americans According to Šrāders, the results of the midterm elections indicate significant dissatisfaction among American voters with the policies of Donald Trump's administration. > "For many Americans, these election results came as a surprise," the researcher noted. He stated that Democrats succeeded even in states where Republican positions are traditionally strong. Šrāders links this to the disappointment of some voters in the fulfillment of the president's campaign promises. This concerns not only the economy and social policy but also international relations. ### Congress Will Be Able to More Actively Monitor the White House One of the main consequences of the elections, according to the expert, will be the strengthening of parliamentary control over the decisions of the Trump administration. > "We can expect that Congress will very actively check how legitimate the decisions made were," Šrāders stated. He believes that lawmakers will have more opportunities to demand explanations from the White House and to verify the legality of the administration's actions. This could be particularly significant for foreign policy and security issues. The researcher reminded that Congress had previously taken steps to limit the president's freedom of action regarding American military presence abroad. > "Congress has determined that the minimum number of American troops in Europe is 76,000," he noted. In Šrāders' opinion, the strengthening of Congress's role could be a positive factor for European NATO members concerned about a potential reduction in American involvement in ensuring the continent's security. ### Europe Must Rely on Its Own Strengths Despite the changes in the American Congress, Šrāders warns that European states should not perceive the election results as a guarantee of security. > "Europe must become independent, autonomous, and mature in international relations," the researcher emphasized. In his view, European allies need to strengthen their own defense capabilities rather than rely solely on decisions from Washington. ### What the Democratic Victory Means for Ukraine Šrāders paid special attention to the possible consequences of the elections for Ukraine. The expert suggests that in the coming years, Washington may increase pressure on Kyiv to end the war on terms that may not necessarily align with Ukrainian and European interests. > "Our concerns are that the U.S. may pressure Ukraine to agree to decisions that are unfavorable to both Ukraine and Europe," he stated. Šrāders also does not rule out attempts by Washington and Moscow to reach agreements whose consequences will affect the security of the entire European continent. This is why, the researcher believes, European countries need to participate more actively in diplomatic discussions to ensure their interests are considered in decision-making. ### Why Trump Will Still Influence Foreign Policy The Democratic victory in the November 3 elections has indeed changed the political balance in the U.S.: the party gained a majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This is confirmed by results published by the Associated Press. However, the new Congress will not begin its work until January 3, 2027. Moreover, the U.S. president retains significant powers in the area of international relations, so a parliamentary majority alone does not mean a change in the foreign policy course of the White House. According to Šrāders, in the next two years, European countries will have to build relationships simultaneously with the Trump administration and the new congressional leaders. Thus, the election results may provide Europe with additional opportunities to protect its interests, but they will not relieve it of the necessity to independently address security issues.
