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Congress could curb Trump's agenda without removing him from office

BBC News's midterms explainer separates the presidency from congressional power, showing what a Democratic victory could change.

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BBC News Story of October 30, 2026Trari Newsroom

Why this story? One of BBC News's most watched videos since yesterday, with 164,478 views.

The election that could change Trump's presidency | BBC News

Things we can learn from the video

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1:07Midterms fall between presidential elections, giving voters another opportunity to determine control of Congress.
2:02Every House seat and roughly a third of Senate seats are up for election.
2:50Voters identify concerns including inflation, petrol prices, immigration and fascism.
5:31Perry explains why poll closing times and counting mean there is no simple timetable for results.
6:39Smith says Democrats could use congressional control to investigate the administration and block policy.
7:42Trump would remain president after a Republican defeat, but his power could be constrained.

Donald Trump would remain president if Republicans lost control of Congress. But his ability to carry out his agenda could look very different, BBC North America editor Sarah Smith explains in the broadcaster's guide to the US midterm elections.

The report looks ahead to November's vote through a practical question: what power are Americans actually choosing? Every House of Representatives seat is being contested, alongside roughly a third of the Senate. Control of those chambers matters because a president cannot simply turn every proposal into law alone.

Smith says Democratic control would give the party opportunities to investigate the administration and block policy. Her explanation distinguishes losing congressional support from losing the presidency: Trump would stay in office, but could face much greater resistance during his final two years.

Away from the studio, voters name inflation, petrol prices, immigration and fears about fascism among their concerns. The montage brings household costs and broader political anxieties into the same report without suggesting that every voter shares the same priorities.

BBC chief presenter Caitríona Perry also addresses the election-night question: when will the result be clear? There is no simple timetable, she explains. Results cannot begin arriving until polls close, and establishing the outcome may take longer.

The report's final section explains the phrase "lame duck": a president still holding office, but with diminished political influence and no further presidential campaign available.

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