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Unrest & politics · Politics · Impact 2 Notable

Democrats take Congress but lack a shared plan for using power

· Washington, United States of America · single source so far

Republicans have lost their majority in both chambers of the US Congress, though the president retains considerable power. Democrats have yet to agree on how best to use their new leverage, according to DW.

Location
Washington, United States of America · United States of America live map
Coordinates
38.90°N 77.04°W
Reported
7 Nov 2026, 14:15 UTC
Category
Unrest & politics · Politics
Impact
2 of 5 · Notable
Situation
US politics

US politics right now

■ Steady

Democrats win Congress but lack a shared plan; Hegseth under pressure over Iran war

Republicans have lost their majority in both chambers of Congress, and Democrats have yet to agree on how to use their leverage, according to DW. Trump named Stephen Miller as chief of staff on Thursday to replace Susie Wiles, who steps down on Monday. Pressure on Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth continues, with Republicans blaming the Iran war for their losses and Hegseth calling the impeachment push a sham.

  • Trump called the midterms "crooked" on Thursday and demanded Alaska's remaining votes go to its Republican senator.
  • Democrat Scott Colom leads Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith by just under 2,000 votes in Mississippi, and lawyers for both parties are trading letters.
  • Vance has blamed the Iran war for the defeat, while Trump says Hegseth is doing a very good job.
  • The Secret Service says an armed man detained near the White House on Thursday night told officers voices told him to kill Trump; he has been charged.
Updated 7 Nov 2026, 17:09 UTC · Written by Claude from the reports on this page and on the map. Check the linked sources for full details.

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