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What can Democrats actually do now they have won Congress?
Democrats have won control of both chambers of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, giving them greater power to investigate the Trump administration and influence legislation during the final two years of his presidency. Their majorities mean Republicans cannot pass bills through the House alone, while the Senate can block or delay many presidential appointments.
Democrats are expected to scrutinise Trump family business dealings, the Justice Department’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein files and Pentagon spending, including reports of defence funds going to companies linked to the Trump family. The department released about 3.5 million of the 6 million pages it held on Epstein, citing duplication, while concerns persist over redactions and the disclosure of victims’ names. Democratic leaders have not ruled out another impeachment attempt; Trump was impeached by the House in 2019 and acquitted by the Senate.
In short
- Democrats now control the House and Senate.
- They can investigate the administration and obstruct appointments.
- Possible inquiries include Epstein files and Pentagon spending.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Democrats can argue that control of Congress gives them a mandate and the constitutional tools to examine possible conflicts of interest, the handling of Epstein records and defence spending. Hearings, document requests and limits on legislation or appointments could improve public accountability, while impeachment remains an available response if evidence warrants it.
The case against
Critics can argue that aggressive investigations or another impeachment effort risk turning oversight into partisan retaliation, consuming time that could be spent on legislation and deepening public distrust. They may also contend that withholding cooperation or delaying appointments could obstruct routine government, and that serious allegations should be pursued through established processes without assuming wrongdoing in advance.
Explained simply
Congress is the part of the US government that makes federal laws and oversees the executive branch, which is led by the president. It has two chambers: the House of Representatives, where seats are based on population, and the Senate, where each state has two senators.
When one party controls both chambers, it can shape which bills are considered and use hearings to question government officials. The Senate also considers many senior presidential appointments, while the House can impeach a president; a trial in the Senate decides whether to remove them.
Congressional investigations can examine how government agencies act and how public money is spent. Impeachment is a separate process and does not itself remove a president: that requires a two-thirds vote in the Senate.
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