The US Supreme Court on Friday allowed the Trump administration to resume using an expanded federal database to help states verify the citizenship status of people on voter rolls, temporarily lifting a lower-court restriction on the system. The emergency ruling concerns the Department of Homeland Security's Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, program. The administration expanded the system to allow state and local election officials to conduct citizenship checks on registered voters and people seeking registration.&nbsp;The Supreme Court's unsigned order said the federal government has an obligation to respond to requests from state and local election officials seeking to verify voters' citizenship. It also indicated that the immediate effect of the ruling is constrained by federal restrictions on systematic voter removals close to an election. The three liberal justices, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, dissented. “The harm caused by burdening or disenfranchising even a few lawful voters outweighs the nonexistent harm that the government experiences when it is prevented from taking an action that it likely lacks the authority to take,” Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote in a dissent joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan.<h2>What is the SAVE database?</h2>SAVE was originally created to help federal, state and local agencies verify citizenship and immigration status for people seeking certain public benefits. The Trump administration expanded the system in 2025 following an executive order directing federal agencies to facilitate citizenship verification for registered voters and people registering to vote.&nbsp;The revamped system incorporated additional records, including Social Security Administration information, and allowed state and local authorities to conduct searches involving multiple records at once. The changes triggered legal challenges from voting-rights organizations and privacy advocates, who argued that the expanded database could produce inaccurate matches and threaten the voting rights and privacy of eligible citizens.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-court-backs-pentagon-s-decision-to-exclude-anthropic-over-claude-ai-restrictions-1790371937731">US court backs Pentagon's decision to exclude Anthropic over Claude AI restrictions</a><h2>Supreme Court limits immediate impact</h2>The Supreme Court's order did not resolve every legal question surrounding the expanded SAVE system. The justices referred to provisions of the National Voter Registration Act that restrict systematic voter removals within 90 days of an election. The Trump administration has separately argued that this restriction does not apply when officials are removing people identified as noncitizens. The Supreme Court noted that issue but said it ‘did not need to decide’ it in Friday's emergency ruling. As a result, the ruling allows the administration and participating states to use the database for now, while broader questions over how the information can be used to remove voters remain subject to further litigation.<h2>Concerns over incorrect matches</h2>The expanded SAVE system has faced criticism because database matches can incorrectly flag US citizens as potential noncitizens. The Supreme Court's case record notes that some individuals were wrongly identified through the modified system. A separate filing in the litigation cited concerns over errors and disputed the reliability of federal databases for determining voter eligibility. Voting-rights groups have argued that incorrect matches could lead to eligible voters being challenged or removed from registration lists. The administration, meanwhile, has maintained that states, rather than the federal government, are responsible for making the final determination about whether a voter should be removed, and that officials are encouraged to conduct additional verification.<h2>Trump administration celebrates ruling</h2>DHS's top lawyer, James Percival, welcomed the Supreme Court's decision on social media. “Yes, you read that right. We had to file an emergency petition in the Supreme Court just so we could use government data to help states stop noncitizens from illegally voting.”&nbsp;Opponents of the administration criticized the decision, arguing that the expanded database could expose eligible voters to erroneous challenges. The administration has made identifying potential noncitizens on voter rolls a major part of its election-policy agenda. The Supreme Court's ruling allows the expanded SAVE system to remain available while the underlying legal dispute continues.

US Supreme Court revives Trump’s SAVE voter database, allowing citizenship checks on voter rolls while legal challenges over privacy and voter rights continue

The US Supreme Court on Friday allowed the Trump administration to resume using an expanded federal database to help states verify the citizenship status of people on voter rolls, temporarily lifting a lower-court restriction on the system. The emergency ruling concerns the Department of Homeland Security's Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, program. The administration expanded the system to allow state and local election officials to conduct citizenship checks on registered voters and people seeking registration. The Supreme Court's unsigned order said the federal government has an obligation to respond to requests from state and local election officials seeking to verify voters' citizenship. It also indicated that the immediate effect of the ruling is constrained by federal restrictions on systematic voter removals close to an election. The three liberal justices, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, dissented. “The harm caused by burdening or disenfranchising even a few lawful voters outweighs the nonexistent harm that the government experiences when it is prevented from taking an action that it likely lacks the authority to take,” Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote in a dissent joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. What is the SAVE database? SAVE was originally created to help federal, state and local agencies verify citizenship and immigration status for people seeking certain public benefits. The Trump administration expanded the system in 2025 following an executive order directing federal agencies to facilitate citizenship verification for registered voters and people registering to vote. The revamped system incorporated additional records, including Social Security Administration information, and allowed state and local authorities to conduct searches involving multiple records at once. The changes triggered legal challenges from voting-rights organizations and privacy advocates, who argued that the expanded database could produce inaccurate matches and threaten the voting rights and privacy of eligible citizens. Also Read: US court backs Pentagon's decision to exclude Anthropic over Claude AI restrictions Supreme Court limits immediate impact The Supreme Court's order did not resolve every legal question surrounding the expanded SAVE system. The justices referred to provisions of the National Voter Registration Act that restrict systematic voter removals within 90 days of an election. The Trump administration has separately argued that this restriction does not apply when officials are removing people identified as noncitizens. The Supreme Court noted that issue but said it ‘did not need to decide’ it in Friday's emergency ruling. As a result, the ruling allows the administration and participating states to use the database for now, while broader questions over how the information can be used to remove voters remain subject to further litigation. Concerns over incorrect matches The expanded SAVE system has faced criticism because database matches can incorrectly flag US citizens as potential noncitizens. The Supreme Court's case record notes that some individuals were wrongly identified through the modified system. A separate filing in the litigation cited concerns over errors and disputed the reliability of federal databases for determining voter eligibility. Voting-rights groups have argued that incorrect matches could lead to eligible voters being challenged or removed from registration lists. The administration, meanwhile, has maintained that states, rather than the federal government, are responsible for making the final determination about whether a voter should be removed, and that officials are encouraged to conduct additional verification. Trump administration celebrates ruling DHS's top lawyer, James Percival, welcomed the Supreme Court's decision on social media. “Yes, you read that right. We had to file an emergency petition in the Supreme Court just so we could use government data to help states stop noncitizens from illegally voting.” Opponents of the administration criticized the decision, arguing that the expanded database could expose eligible voters to erroneous challenges. The administration has made identifying potential noncitizens on voter rolls a major part of its election-policy agenda. The Supreme Court's ruling allows the expanded SAVE system to remain available while the underlying legal dispute continues.

US Supreme Court allows Trump’s administration to use the SAVE database for voter citizenship checks, weeks before the 2026 midterm elections

US Supreme Court backs Trump administration's use of SAVE database to check voter citizenship

Donald Trump insists the midterm elections do not enter his thinking. But with November approaching, the political pressure surrounding his presidency is becoming increasingly difficult to separate from the war in Iran, divisions within the Republican Party, his confrontation with the media and deteriorating poll numbers.&nbsp;Perhaps the most significant warning is coming from inside his own party.&nbsp;Republican lawmakers have increasingly shown a willingness to challenge the president, particularly over the Iran war. Some have backed congressional efforts to restrain his war powers, while vulnerable Republicans have also distanced themselves from administration positions on issues ranging from immigration to trade.&nbsp;For a president who has exercised extraordinary influence over the Republican Party, even limited defections matter.&nbsp;Then there is Iran.&nbsp;Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Trump argued that Tehran could be waiting for America's midterm elections before reaching an agreement.&nbsp;"We'll make a deal right after the election," Trump said, before stressing that he himself is not running.That distinction may be technically correct. Politically, it is much harder to make.&nbsp;Trump has placed himself at the centre of the Republican campaign. At the party's Dallas convention, he defended the Iran war, urged supporters to vote as though he were on the ballot and promised Americans a $5,000 "Trump dividend" if Republicans retained their congressional majorities.The convention was designed as a demonstration of political strength.&nbsp;But it also illustrated the degree to which Republican fortunes remain tied to one man who cannot personally appear on another presidential ballot.&nbsp;Then came another confrontation — this time with the media.&nbsp;Trump barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing them of dishonest reporting. The organisations responded with a lawsuit arguing that the restrictions violate First Amendment protections.&nbsp;The spectacle at the United Nations was striking: journalists barred from the White House were still able to question the American president after receiving credentials from the UN.&nbsp;Trump can restrict access to the White House.&nbsp;Controlling the wider political conversation is considerably more difficult.And then there are the numbers.&nbsp;A Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted September 17-20 put Trump's approval rating at 32 per cent among American adults — the lowest level recorded by Reuters/Ipsos across his first and second presidencies. His approval among Republicans stood at 73 per cent, down from 86 per cent in January.A Marist survey released this week found 53 per cent of registered voters saying they were more likely to support the Democratic congressional candidate in their district, compared with 41 per cent supporting the Republican.&nbsp;Perhaps even more revealing, 45 per cent described their congressional vote primarily as a vote against Trump. Only 24 per cent described theirs primarily as a vote for him.&nbsp;Those figures do not determine what will happen in November. Congressional elections are decided district by district and state by state, and control of the House and Senate remains dependent on individual races.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-never-bend-at-the-knee-pezeshkian-hits-back-at-trump-at-unga-1790175284876">‘Iran will never bend at the knee’: Pezeshkian hits back at Trump at UNGA</a>&nbsp;But they explain why Republicans are paying attention.&nbsp;If Democrats gain control of the House, Trump's final two years could look markedly different.A hostile chamber could bring investigations, subpoenas, hearings and legislative gridlock.&nbsp;Republicans would also lose an important institutional shield around the White House.That may be the larger political danger confronting Trump.&nbsp;Not simply losing seats.&nbsp;Losing control of Washington's agenda.&nbsp;The president says he is not running in November.&nbsp;He doesn't need to be.&nbsp;His war, his economic record, his political movement and his second-term agenda are already being judged alongside the candidates who are.&nbsp;And that may explain why an election Trump says does not enter his mind increasingly hangs over almost everything his presidency does. The underlying numbers there are sourced to Reuters/Ipsos and Marist; Cook's latest battleground polling also found Democrats at 49% and Republicans at 47% specifically in competitive House districts, including districts Trump carried by an average of five points in 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trump's UN remarks likewise explicitly connected a possible Iran deal with the period after the election while saying the election itself would not influence his Iran decisions.&nbsp;

Donald Trump may not be on the 2026 midterm ballot, but his Iran war, political record, media confrontation and weakening approval ratings are increasingly shaping the battle for control of Congress.

Donald Trump insists the midterm elections do not enter his thinking. But with November approaching, the political pressure surrounding his presidency is becoming increasingly difficult to separate from the war in Iran, divisions within the Republican Party, his confrontation with the media and deteriorating poll numbers. Perhaps the most significant warning is coming from inside his own party. Republican lawmakers have increasingly shown a willingness to challenge the president, particularly over the Iran war. Some have backed congressional efforts to restrain his war powers, while vulnerable Republicans have also distanced themselves from administration positions on issues ranging from immigration to trade. For a president who has exercised extraordinary influence over the Republican Party, even limited defections matter. Then there is Iran. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Trump argued that Tehran could be waiting for America's midterm elections before reaching an agreement. "We'll make a deal right after the election," Trump said, before stressing that he himself is not running. That distinction may be technically correct. Politically, it is much harder to make. Trump has placed himself at the centre of the Republican campaign. At the party's Dallas convention, he defended the Iran war, urged supporters to vote as though he were on the ballot and promised Americans a $5,000 "Trump dividend" if Republicans retained their congressional majorities. The convention was designed as a demonstration of political strength. But it also illustrated the degree to which Republican fortunes remain tied to one man who cannot personally appear on another presidential ballot. Then came another confrontation — this time with the media. Trump barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing them of dishonest reporting. The organisations responded with a lawsuit arguing that the restrictions violate First Amendment protections. The spectacle at the United Nations was striking: journalists barred from the White House were still able to question the American president after receiving credentials from the UN. Trump can restrict access to the White House. Controlling the wider political conversation is considerably more difficult. And then there are the numbers. A Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted September 17-20 put Trump's approval rating at 32 per cent among American adults — the lowest level recorded by Reuters/Ipsos across his first and second presidencies. His approval among Republicans stood at 73 per cent, down from 86 per cent in January. A Marist survey released this week found 53 per cent of registered voters saying they were more likely to support the Democratic congressional candidate in their district, compared with 41 per cent supporting the Republican. Perhaps even more revealing, 45 per cent described their congressional vote primarily as a vote against Trump. Only 24 per cent described theirs primarily as a vote for him. Those figures do not determine what will happen in November. Congressional elections are decided district by district and state by state, and control of the House and Senate remains dependent on individual races. Also Read: ‘Iran will never bend at the knee’: Pezeshkian hits back at Trump at UNGA But they explain why Republicans are paying attention. If Democrats gain control of the House, Trump's final two years could look markedly different. A hostile chamber could bring investigations, subpoenas, hearings and legislative gridlock. Republicans would also lose an important institutional shield around the White House. That may be the larger political danger confronting Trump. Not simply losing seats. Losing control of Washington's agenda. The president says he is not running in November. He doesn't need to be. His war, his economic record, his political movement and his second-term agenda are already being judged alongside the candidates who are. And that may explain why an election Trump says does not enter his mind increasingly hangs over almost everything his presidency does. The underlying numbers there are sourced to Reuters/Ipsos and Marist; Cook's latest battleground polling also found Democrats at 49% and Republicans at 47% specifically in competitive House districts, including districts Trump carried by an average of five points in 2024. Trump's UN remarks likewise explicitly connected a possible Iran deal with the period after the election while saying the election itself would not influence his Iran decisions.

Donald Trump may not be on the 2026 midterm ballot, but his Iran war, political record, media confrontation and weakening approval ratings are increasingly shaping the battle for control of Congress.

Trump isn't on the ballot, but his presidency is | The Verdict

WASHINGTON – To hear President Donald Trump tell it, the United States enjoys global respect “like never before.” A series of international surveys contradict that claim, but it gives ammunition to critics who, as one recent headline put it, believe that “Trump has untethered himself from reality.”&nbsp;The term “alternative reality” has been common currency among Trump critics ever since then presidential counsellor Kellyanne Conway assured journalists questioning claims of a record attendance at Trump’s inauguration that the White House had “alternative facts.”&nbsp;That was on the second day of the president’s first term. Since then, there has been an unending stream of statements contradicted by facts. The Washington Post tallied 30,573 “false or misleading” statements from 2017 to the end of the first Trump term. &nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-iran-war-ai-and-covid-19-here-s-what-on-top-agenda-as-world-leaders-gather-in-new-york-for-unga-2026-1789717779463">Global wars, AI, Covid-19 and more: Here's what's on top agenda as world leaders gather in New York for UNGA 2026</a>The White House has also brushed facts aside in Trump’s second term, beginning in 2025. The way the world sees the United States is another example of a clash between reality and wishful thinking. &nbsp;&nbsp;The assertion that global respect for the U.S. is at an all-time high has featured in multiple speeches to global and domestic audiences, the latest this month, even as it became clear that the war against Iran that Trump started in February is deeply unpopular both abroad and at home. &nbsp;&nbsp;According to a survey of 42,151 people in 36 countries conducted by the Washington-based Pew Research Centre in May, attitudes toward the United States and its president are negative in regions across the globe. Disapproval is tied to policies that range from tariffs to international conflicts such as the war on Iran and Russia’s war on Ukraine.&nbsp;An even more extensive survey by the Alliance of Democracy Foundation, a watchdog group based in Denmark, found that respondents in 82 of the 85 countries surveyed held negative views of the United States.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unga-2026-how-many-countries-are-members-of-the-united-nations-full-list-1789550537103">UN General Assembly 2026: 193 member countries, key events and what to expect</a>That stands in sharp contrast to decades during which the United States was seen as a force for good for its role in shaping alliances and helping create international organisations such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations after the end of World War II. &nbsp;&nbsp;But from his first term in office (2017-2021) to his second, Trump has been outspoken about his disdain for international alliances, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Mocking some of its leaders has prompted anger rather than respect.&nbsp;Paying little attention to what political scientists call the rules-based international order has prompted global publics to increasingly view Trump as an unreliable partner. That does not appear to cause him sleepless nights. &nbsp;&nbsp;But he is aware that widespread dissatisfaction at home with the impact of his foreign policy moves augurs dark days ahead for the Republican Party he leads.&nbsp;The party holds slim leads in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. They provided no hurdle to Trump’s relentless drive to amass power in the executive, the third pillar of the American political system. Trump loyalists run the second, the judicial.&nbsp;Trump supporters subscribe to the “unitary executive theory”, a concept that holds that the President has absolute authority over the executive branch, complete with the power to fire all federal employees at will and without explanation.&nbsp;That is the reason why political pundits call the present system “the imperial presidency. “ &nbsp;&nbsp;It may come to an end on November 3, in midterm elections for all 435 seats in the House and 35 of the 100-seat Senate.&nbsp;Judging from polls, the Republicans are very likely to lose the majority. Some raise the less likely possibility that in the Senate enough seats will be flipped for a razor-thin Democratic majority. A change in the House would follow a historic trend – the dominant party traditionally loses its majority. The last time it didn’t was 24 years ago.&nbsp;To fire up voters, the Republican National Committee organised a party convention in the second week of May, with Trump as keynote speaker on both days. But dozens of candidates in vulnerable seats stayed away – clearly because they didn’t think closeness to an unpopular president was a winning strategy.&nbsp;Trump’s approval rating is at its lowest in his two terms. The reason, which cuts across party lines: the war on Iran is deeply unpopular, and so are high prices for gasoline caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the key waterway that used to carry a fifth of the world’s oil. &nbsp;&nbsp;Protesters in at least nine countries have staged mass demonstrations against skyrocketing fuel prices, blaming both their local governments and the U.S. war against Iran, which has led to the closure of the narrow shipping lane that carries a fifth of the world’s oil. &nbsp;&nbsp;How the world’s leaders rate Trump’s performance and the respect he claims will be put to the test next week when the American president addresses the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which includes 193 member states.&nbsp;In his address last year, he boasted that joint U.S.-Israeli bombing strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in Iran the previous June had “totally obliterated everything.” That proved wishful thinking. &nbsp;&nbsp;Iran remained defiant even though it took heavy blows militarily and economically last year and then again since the beginning of the war in February.&nbsp;As the war dragged on, regional instability has been growing, and so have doubts among Washington’s Gulf allies that the United States can protect them.&nbsp;Don’t expect the U.N. speech to prompt a standing ovation or other signs of respect.

According to a survey of 42,151 people in 36 countries conducted by the Washington-based Pew Research Center in May, attitudes toward the United States and its president are negative in regions across the globe. 

WASHINGTON – To hear President Donald Trump tell it, the United States enjoys global respect “like never before.” A series of international surveys contradict that claim, but it gives ammunition to critics who, as one recent headline put it, believe that “Trump has untethered himself from reality.” The term “alternative reality” has been common currency among Trump critics ever since then presidential counsellor Kellyanne Conway assured journalists questioning claims of a record attendance at Trump’s inauguration that the White House had “alternative facts.” That was on the second day of the president’s first term. Since then, there has been an unending stream of statements contradicted by facts. The Washington Post tallied 30,573 “false or misleading” statements from 2017 to the end of the first Trump term. Also read | Global wars, AI, Covid-19 and more: Here's what's on top agenda as world leaders gather in New York for UNGA 2026 The White House has also brushed facts aside in Trump’s second term, beginning in 2025. The way the world sees the United States is another example of a clash between reality and wishful thinking. The assertion that global respect for the U.S. is at an all-time high has featured in multiple speeches to global and domestic audiences, the latest this month, even as it became clear that the war against Iran that Trump started in February is deeply unpopular both abroad and at home. According to a survey of 42,151 people in 36 countries conducted by the Washington-based Pew Research Centre in May, attitudes toward the United States and its president are negative in regions across the globe. Disapproval is tied to policies that range from tariffs to international conflicts such as the war on Iran and Russia’s war on Ukraine. An even more extensive survey by the Alliance of Democracy Foundation, a watchdog group based in Denmark, found that respondents in 82 of the 85 countries surveyed held negative views of the United States. Also read | UN General Assembly 2026: 193 member countries, key events and what to expect That stands in sharp contrast to decades during which the United States was seen as a force for good for its role in shaping alliances and helping create international organisations such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations after the end of World War II. But from his first term in office (2017-2021) to his second, Trump has been outspoken about his disdain for international alliances, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Mocking some of its leaders has prompted anger rather than respect. Paying little attention to what political scientists call the rules-based international order has prompted global publics to increasingly view Trump as an unreliable partner. That does not appear to cause him sleepless nights. But he is aware that widespread dissatisfaction at home with the impact of his foreign policy moves augurs dark days ahead for the Republican Party he leads. The party holds slim leads in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. They provided no hurdle to Trump’s relentless drive to amass power in the executive, the third pillar of the American political system. Trump loyalists run the second, the judicial. Trump supporters subscribe to the “unitary executive theory”, a concept that holds that the President has absolute authority over the executive branch, complete with the power to fire all federal employees at will and without explanation. That is the reason why political pundits call the present system “the imperial presidency. “ It may come to an end on November 3, in midterm elections for all 435 seats in the House and 35 of the 100-seat Senate. Judging from polls, the Republicans are very likely to lose the majority. Some raise the less likely possibility that in the Senate enough seats will be flipped for a razor-thin Democratic majority. A change in the House would follow a historic trend – the dominant party traditionally loses its majority. The last time it didn’t was 24 years ago. To fire up voters, the Republican National Committee organised a party convention in the second week of May, with Trump as keynote speaker on both days. But dozens of candidates in vulnerable seats stayed away – clearly because they didn’t think closeness to an unpopular president was a winning strategy. Trump’s approval rating is at its lowest in his two terms. The reason, which cuts across party lines: the war on Iran is deeply unpopular, and so are high prices for gasoline caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the key waterway that used to carry a fifth of the world’s oil. Protesters in at least nine countries have staged mass demonstrations against skyrocketing fuel prices, blaming both their local governments and the U.S. war against Iran, which has led to the closure of the narrow shipping lane that carries a fifth of the world’s oil. How the world’s leaders rate Trump’s performance and the respect he claims will be put to the test next week when the American president addresses the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which includes 193 member states. In his address last year, he boasted that joint U.S.-Israeli bombing strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in Iran the previous June had “totally obliterated everything.” That proved wishful thinking. Iran remained defiant even though it took heavy blows militarily and economically last year and then again since the beginning of the war in February. As the war dragged on, regional instability has been growing, and so have doubts among Washington’s Gulf allies that the United States can protect them. Don’t expect the U.N. speech to prompt a standing ovation or other signs of respect.

According to a survey of 42,151 people in 36 countries conducted by the Washington-based Pew Research Center in May, attitudes toward the United States and its president are negative in regions across the globe.&nbsp;

Trump 2.0: Dark days ahead for America’s ‘imperial presidency’

US midterm elections take place halfway through a president’s four-year term, which is why they are known as ‘midterms’. According to the US Vote Foundation, these elections are held two years after a presidential election and take place across all 50 states. The President and Vice President, however, are not on the ballot.<h2>What is decided in a midterm election?</h2>According to US Vote Foundation, the entire composition of Congress is at stake during a midterm election. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are contested, while roughly one-third of the 100 seats in the Senate are also up for election. Beyond the federal races, voters in many states may also decide contests for governor, state legislatures, judges and other local offices. State-specific ballot measures may also appear on voters’ ballots.<h2>How does one registers to vote?</h2>According to usa.gov, voters can start the registration process through vote.gov by selecting their state or territory. The website provides information on whether voters can register online, by mail or in person through their local election office. Other registration options include downloading the National Mail Voter Registration Form, contacting local government offices, visiting a department of motor vehicles, or reaching out to state and county public assistance offices, including SNAP agencies.&nbsp;US citizens living overseas, service members stationed abroad and eligible family members can register and request absentee ballots through the Federal Voting Assistance Program. According to the US Election Assistance Commission, eligibility requirements differ from state to state. Generally, voters must:<ul><li>Be a US citizen</li><li>Be at least 18 years old by Election Day</li><li>Meet applicable residency requirements</li></ul>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-was-eliana-moreno-nbc-la-aerial-reporter-killed-in-chatsworth-crash-1789543749226">Who was Eliana Moreno? NBC LA aerial reporter killed in Chatsworth crash</a><h2>What is the last day to register to vote?</h2>There is no nationwide voter-registration deadline that applies to every state. According to information from the US Election Assistance Commission, some states permit voters to register on Election Day, while others set deadlines as much as 30 days before the election. The US Vote Foundation also maintains state-specific election dates and registration deadlines for the 2026 midterm elections. Voters should check their state election office or official election calendar to confirm the registration deadline that applies to them.<h2>What documents are needed to register?</h2>Voter-registration documentation requirements vary by state. In many cases, voters may need a driver’s license or state-issued identification. Depending on state rules, people without those forms of identification may be able to use other documents, such as a bank statement or utility bill. Voters should check with their state election office for the exact documentation requirements.<h2>What are the 2026 midterm elections?</h2>The 2026 US midterm elections involve two major stages of voting: primary elections and the general election.<h2>Midterm primary elections</h2>Primary elections take place on different dates in different states and begin earlier in the year. Primaries determine which candidates will represent political parties in various races. Voters should consult the relevant state election calendar for the exact date of their primary.<h2>2026 general election</h2>The second stage is the general election, which will take place nationwide on the same day. US federal elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This scheduling rule dates to the 19th century, when the timing was designed around the travel and agricultural patterns of many Americans. Tuesday was selected to allow people to travel to polling places after Sunday church services. The Election Act of 1845 established the federal election schedule that continues to govern Election Day. The 2026 Midterm General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 3.

2026 US midterm elections explained: Find the November 3 date, voter registration rules, deadlines, documents, primaries and key races across the US

US midterm elections take place halfway through a president’s four-year term, which is why they are known as ‘midterms’. According to the US Vote Foundation, these elections are held two years after a presidential election and take place across all 50 states. The President and Vice President, however, are not on the ballot. What is decided in a midterm election? According to US Vote Foundation, the entire composition of Congress is at stake during a midterm election. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are contested, while roughly one-third of the 100 seats in the Senate are also up for election. Beyond the federal races, voters in many states may also decide contests for governor, state legislatures, judges and other local offices. State-specific ballot measures may also appear on voters’ ballots. How does one registers to vote? According to usa.gov, voters can start the registration process through vote.gov by selecting their state or territory. The website provides information on whether voters can register online, by mail or in person through their local election office. Other registration options include downloading the National Mail Voter Registration Form, contacting local government offices, visiting a department of motor vehicles, or reaching out to state and county public assistance offices, including SNAP agencies. US citizens living overseas, service members stationed abroad and eligible family members can register and request absentee ballots through the Federal Voting Assistance Program. According to the US Election Assistance Commission, eligibility requirements differ from state to state. Generally, voters must: Be a US citizen Be at least 18 years old by Election Day Meet applicable residency requirements Also Read: Who was Eliana Moreno? NBC LA aerial reporter killed in Chatsworth crash What is the last day to register to vote? There is no nationwide voter-registration deadline that applies to every state. According to information from the US Election Assistance Commission, some states permit voters to register on Election Day, while others set deadlines as much as 30 days before the election. The US Vote Foundation also maintains state-specific election dates and registration deadlines for the 2026 midterm elections. Voters should check their state election office or official election calendar to confirm the registration deadline that applies to them. What documents are needed to register? Voter-registration documentation requirements vary by state. In many cases, voters may need a driver’s license or state-issued identification. Depending on state rules, people without those forms of identification may be able to use other documents, such as a bank statement or utility bill. Voters should check with their state election office for the exact documentation requirements. What are the 2026 midterm elections? The 2026 US midterm elections involve two major stages of voting: primary elections and the general election. Midterm primary elections Primary elections take place on different dates in different states and begin earlier in the year. Primaries determine which candidates will represent political parties in various races. Voters should consult the relevant state election calendar for the exact date of their primary. 2026 general election The second stage is the general election, which will take place nationwide on the same day. US federal elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This scheduling rule dates to the 19th century, when the timing was designed around the travel and agricultural patterns of many Americans. Tuesday was selected to allow people to travel to polling places after Sunday church services. The Election Act of 1845 established the federal election schedule that continues to govern Election Day. The 2026 Midterm General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 3.

The 2026 US midterm elections are set for November 3, covering Congress, governors and local races. Learn registration rules, deadlines and voting

US midterm elections 2026: When is election day and how do you register to vote? All you need to know

Even as US President Donald Trump announced that Ukraine and Russia have agreed to halt strikes on each other's energy infrastructure, the fighting continued unabated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky went a step further and hinted that Trump was playing politics with the Ukraine war. While showing willingness to de-escalate, Zelensky maintained that any move by the US should not be influenced by elections. With midterm elections due in the US in November, this was perceived as a jibe at Trump, who is trying to address voter anxiety over inflation and the ongoing war in Iran.&nbsp;Now, Zelensky's jibe also came after Trump warned Ukraine against attacking Russia's diesel infrastructure. Speaking to the media in Ireland over the weekend, the US President blamed Ukraine for causing a shortage of diesel across the world by striking Russia.&nbsp;The latest war of words between the two leaders also brings back into focus how Zelensky has restrained himself, despite being at the receiving end of Trump's ire, amid the bonhomie between the US President and Putin.&nbsp;Let me jog your memory back to February last year, when Zelensky met Trump at the White House. Within minutes, the Oval Office witnessed an extraordinary public clash, with Trump and US Vice President JD Vance criticising Zelensky over the direction of the Ukraine war and US aid.&nbsp;While the situation cooled down subsequently, Zelensky has often expressed his frustration at America pushing Ukraine to concede Donbas in its entirety to Russia, in order to provide security guarantees.&nbsp;Incidentally, this has also been Russia's demand to end the war in Ukraine. However, Ukraine has ruled out any compromise on the territorial front.&nbsp;In May earlier this year, Zelensky urged Trump and the US Congress to supply more Patriot interceptor missiles as well as other air defence systems, warning that deliveries to his country are falling dangerously short.

There was a brief ray of hope in July, though, as Trump told Zelensky on the sidelines of the NATO summit that he would permit Ukraine to get a licence to manufacture Patriot missiles. Later though, the US President backtracked and said that he was unsure of this idea.&nbsp;According to reports, Trump declined Zelensky's request to provide hundreds of additional interceptor missiles, citing limited stockpiles and the need to protect US military facilities in West Asia and its allies in the region.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/upi-rule-change-0-4-mdr-on-merchant-payments-above-2-000-consumers-unaffected-1789489025740">UPI rule change: 0.4% MDR on merchant payments above ₹2,000; consumers unaffected</a>&nbsp;On his part, though, Zelensky has hinted at the possibility of meeting Trump after September 20 to try to secure US air defence support, as Russia has intensified its missile and drone attacks.&nbsp;In response to Russia's attack on Kyiv's petrol stations earlier in the day, Zelensky announced Ukrainian strikes on a refinery in Syzran city and drone production facilities at other locations in Russia.&nbsp;While Russia welcomed the US proposal for a moratorium on attacks on energy infrastructure, it demanded sanctions on its energy supplies be lifted. Moscow also made it clear that it will not stop fighting in Ukraine even if talks take place.&nbsp;With Ukraine and Russia still at odds over key issues, it remains to be seen whether America's effort to revive trilateral talks will bear fruit.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Donald Trump of playing politics with the Ukraine war as Kyiv and Moscow remain divided over energy strikes, territorial concessions and the path to peace.

Even as US President Donald Trump announced that Ukraine and Russia have agreed to halt strikes on each other's energy infrastructure, the fighting continued unabated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky went a step further and hinted that Trump was playing politics with the Ukraine war. While showing willingness to de-escalate, Zelensky maintained that any move by the US should not be influenced by elections. With midterm elections due in the US in November, this was perceived as a jibe at Trump, who is trying to address voter anxiety over inflation and the ongoing war in Iran. Now, Zelensky's jibe also came after Trump warned Ukraine against attacking Russia's diesel infrastructure. Speaking to the media in Ireland over the weekend, the US President blamed Ukraine for causing a shortage of diesel across the world by striking Russia. The latest war of words between the two leaders also brings back into focus how Zelensky has restrained himself, despite being at the receiving end of Trump's ire, amid the bonhomie between the US President and Putin. Let me jog your memory back to February last year, when Zelensky met Trump at the White House. Within minutes, the Oval Office witnessed an extraordinary public clash, with Trump and US Vice President JD Vance criticising Zelensky over the direction of the Ukraine war and US aid. While the situation cooled down subsequently, Zelensky has often expressed his frustration at America pushing Ukraine to concede Donbas in its entirety to Russia, in order to provide security guarantees. Incidentally, this has also been Russia's demand to end the war in Ukraine. However, Ukraine has ruled out any compromise on the territorial front. In May earlier this year, Zelensky urged Trump and the US Congress to supply more Patriot interceptor missiles as well as other air defence systems, warning that deliveries to his country are falling dangerously short.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Donald Trump of playing politics with the Ukraine war as Kyiv and Moscow remain divided over energy strikes, territorial concessions and the path to peace.

Bitter Zelensky snubs Trump for playing politics with Ukraine war | Gravitas

The Republican Party is making political history this week with its first-ever national midterm convention, a two-day spectacle in Dallas designed to rally the GOP base, showcase the party’s candidates and turn the 2026 midterm elections into a referendum on President Donald Trump. The Republican convention will be held on September 9 and 10 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Unlike the traditional Republican National Convention held every four years to nominate a presidential candidate, this gathering comes midway through a presidential term and has no nomination to decide. The event has instead been built around Trump, his political record and the Republican agenda ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.<h2>What happens at the convention?</h2>The two-day event is being billed by Republicans as a national celebration of the Trump administration's achievements and the GOP's vision for America. Expect a mix of major political speeches, policy presentations, candidate showcases, appearances by Republican lawmakers, personal stories from "everyday Americans" and highly produced prime-time programming.&nbsp;The first night focuses heavily on issues including tax cuts, healthcare, border security, government spending, education, public safety and domestic manufacturing. The second night is expected to focus on issues including taxes on tips and overtime, Social Security, prescription drug costs, border security and the administration's record. The event is deliberately designed to resemble the energy and spectacle of a presidential convention, including a balloon drop, even though no presidential nomination is taking place.<h2>When is it happening?</h2>The convention runs for two days, Wednesday, September 9 and Thursday, September 10. Programming begins during the afternoon in Dallas and continues into prime time. The official schedule lists programming beginning at 3 pm Central Time on both days, with major evening programming following later in the day. That translates to 1:30 am IST on September 10 and September 11 for the corresponding 3 pm Dallas start. The headline speeches are scheduled for prime time in the United States.<h2>When will Trump speak?</h2>Trump is the central figure of the convention, and unusually, he is scheduled to address the gathering on both nights. He will deliver the headline address on the opening night and return for the closing prime-time speech on Thursday. Reuters reported that Trump's second appearance was expanded to two nights as Republicans seek to energise supporters ahead of the midterms. That makes the convention particularly significant: Trump is not on the 2026 ballot, but the Republican strategy is clearly to make the election about his record and his political movement.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-s-main-opposition-party-centrist-reform-alliance-collapses-after-eight-months-1788948335493">Japan's main Opposition party, Centrist Reform Alliance, collapses after eight months</a><h2>Who else is speaking?</h2>Vice President JD Vance is one of the biggest names on the programme. He is scheduled to deliver a keynote address and remains one of the most closely watched figures in the Republican Party as a potential leader of the post-Trump GOP. The broader speaker lineup includes Republican congressional leaders, Cabinet officials, governors, Senate and House candidates, conservative activists and ordinary Americans whose stories are being used to illustrate Republican policy priorities.&nbsp;Among the prominent names appearing in the programme are House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, RNC Chairman Joe Gruters, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Dr Mehmet Oz, Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds and Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, among others. More than 100 speakers and programme segments are scheduled across the two nights, according to the convention schedule.<h2>What are the big political themes?</h2>Three broad messages are expected to dominate the convention. Trump's record: Republicans will highlight the administration's policies on taxes, immigration, healthcare, energy, trade and government spending. The November midterms: The convention is ultimately about turnout. Republicans want to energise Trump's supporters for an election in which Trump himself is not on the ballot. A choice between Trump-era Republicanism and Democrats: GOP messaging will seek to frame the election as a choice between the Republican agenda and what the party characterises as the Democrats' "extreme" policies.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Saddle up, Dallas. The Republican Convention starts TOMORROW! <a href="https://t.co/76kzbpMK8J">pic.twitter.com/76kzbpMK8J</a>&mdash; Republicans (@Republicans) <a href="https://x.com/Republicans/status/2097419060904354198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Why is this convention significant?</h2>The biggest significance is simply that Republicans have never held a national midterm convention before. Traditional party conventions are presidential-year events where delegates formally nominate the party's presidential and vice-presidential candidates and approve the party platform. A midterm convention has no such constitutional or electoral function.&nbsp;Trump has nevertheless pushed for a convention-style event because midterm elections are traditionally difficult for the party controlling the White House. The calculation is straightforward: if Trump can dominate the political conversation, energise his base and make the November election a vote on his agenda, Republicans may be able to overcome the turnout disadvantage that often hurts the president's party in midterms.<h2>Why Dallas?</h2>Dallas provides a politically useful backdrop for the GOP. Texas remains one of the most important Republican strongholds in the country, but the state is also home to several consequential Republican primary and general-election battles. The convention will therefore be both a national showcase and an opportunity to spotlight candidates competing in important races. Candidate showcases are scheduled during the convention, including appearances by Republicans running in competitive congressional contests.<h2>What should viewers watch for?</h2>The most important moments will go beyond the speeches.1. Trump's message: Does he focus primarily on his administration's achievements, the economy and cost of living, immigration, foreign policy — or the 2026 elections themselves?2. JD Vance's role: Vance's keynote will be closely watched for clues about the future direction of the Republican Party and his own political positioning.3. The economy: Inflation and the cost of living remain politically sensitive issues, making the Republican economic message particularly important.4. The midterm candidates: The convention is intended to give Republican candidates a national platform, but candidates in competitive districts must also decide how closely to associate themselves with Trump.5. The Trump-versus-GOP question: How much of the Republican Party's future is still centred on Trump — and how much space is being created for the next generation of Republican leaders?<h2>How can you watch or stream it?</h2>The official Republican convention website is providing a live stream of the two-night event. The RNC says viewers can watch speeches from Trump, Vance, Republican leaders, candidates and other participants through its official live page.&nbsp;<a href="https://gopconvention.com/live/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Watch the Republican Convention live — official stream</a>&nbsp;Fox News is also providing extensive live coverage from Dallas. Its television programming will originate from the American Airlines Center during both days, while Fox Nation will offer a live stream beginning at 5 pm ET. For Indian viewers, the key prime-time speeches will therefore take place in the early hours of the morning IST, given Dallas' Central Time Zone.<h2>The bigger picture</h2>This is not a convention to choose a Republican presidential nominee. It is a convention designed to demonstrate that Trump remains the centre of gravity of the Republican Party even when his name is not on the ballot. The real test will come after the balloons fall and the speeches end: whether the event succeeds in translating Trump's political dominance into enthusiasm, organisation and turnout for Republican candidates on November 3.&nbsp;In that sense, Dallas is less about choosing the next Republican president than about answering a question that will shape the next two years of American politics: Can Trump turn his presidency into a winning midterm campaign for the Republican Party?

Republican Convention 2026 in Dallas: Check dates, timings, Trump and JD Vance speeches, speakers, schedule, significance and live streaming details

The Republican Party is making political history this week with its first-ever national midterm convention, a two-day spectacle in Dallas designed to rally the GOP base, showcase the party’s candidates and turn the 2026 midterm elections into a referendum on President Donald Trump. The Republican convention will be held on September 9 and 10 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Unlike the traditional Republican National Convention held every four years to nominate a presidential candidate, this gathering comes midway through a presidential term and has no nomination to decide. The event has instead been built around Trump, his political record and the Republican agenda ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. What happens at the convention? The two-day event is being billed by Republicans as a national celebration of the Trump administration's achievements and the GOP's vision for America. Expect a mix of major political speeches, policy presentations, candidate showcases, appearances by Republican lawmakers, personal stories from "everyday Americans" and highly produced prime-time programming. The first night focuses heavily on issues including tax cuts, healthcare, border security, government spending, education, public safety and domestic manufacturing. The second night is expected to focus on issues including taxes on tips and overtime, Social Security, prescription drug costs, border security and the administration's record. The event is deliberately designed to resemble the energy and spectacle of a presidential convention, including a balloon drop, even though no presidential nomination is taking place. When is it happening? The convention runs for two days, Wednesday, September 9 and Thursday, September 10. Programming begins during the afternoon in Dallas and continues into prime time. The official schedule lists programming beginning at 3 pm Central Time on both days, with major evening programming following later in the day. That translates to 1:30 am IST on September 10 and September 11 for the corresponding 3 pm Dallas start. The headline speeches are scheduled for prime time in the United States. When will Trump speak? Trump is the central figure of the convention, and unusually, he is scheduled to address the gathering on both nights. He will deliver the headline address on the opening night and return for the closing prime-time speech on Thursday. Reuters reported that Trump's second appearance was expanded to two nights as Republicans seek to energise supporters ahead of the midterms. That makes the convention particularly significant: Trump is not on the 2026 ballot, but the Republican strategy is clearly to make the election about his record and his political movement. Also Read: Japan's main Opposition party, Centrist Reform Alliance, collapses after eight months Who else is speaking? Vice President JD Vance is one of the biggest names on the programme. He is scheduled to deliver a keynote address and remains one of the most closely watched figures in the Republican Party as a potential leader of the post-Trump GOP. The broader speaker lineup includes Republican congressional leaders, Cabinet officials, governors, Senate and House candidates, conservative activists and ordinary Americans whose stories are being used to illustrate Republican policy priorities. Among the prominent names appearing in the programme are House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, RNC Chairman Joe Gruters, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Dr Mehmet Oz, Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds and Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, among others. More than 100 speakers and programme segments are scheduled across the two nights, according to the convention schedule. What are the big political themes? Three broad messages are expected to dominate the convention. Trump's record: Republicans will highlight the administration's policies on taxes, immigration, healthcare, energy, trade and government spending. The November midterms: The convention is ultimately about turnout. Republicans want to energise Trump's supporters for an election in which Trump himself is not on the ballot. A choice between Trump-era Republicanism and Democrats: GOP messaging will seek to frame the election as a choice between the Republican agenda and what the party characterises as the Democrats' "extreme" policies.

Trump and top Republicans gather in Dallas for the GOP's first midterm convention. Here's the schedule, speakers, key issues and how to watch live

Republican midterm convention 2026: What to expect as Trump takes centre stage in Dallas

With the 2026 US midterm elections approaching, one question is increasingly becoming part of the political conversation in Washington: What happens to Donald Trump if Democrats regain control of the House of Representatives? The answer is more complicated than simply saying Trump would be impeached. A Democratic victory in the House could give the party the constitutional power to launch impeachment proceedings against the president. But impeachment is not the same as removal from office, and Democrats would face a much higher hurdle in the Senate if they wanted to actually remove Trump.&nbsp;Here is everything you need to know.<h2>Can Democrats impeach Trump if they win the House?</h2>Yes. The House of Representatives has the constitutional power to impeach federal officials, including the president. A simple majority vote in the House is enough to approve articles of impeachment. That means Democrats would not need Republican support in the House if they win enough seats to control the chamber and their members remain united.&nbsp;The 2026 midterms are particularly significant because all 435 House seats are up for election. Republicans currently hold a very narrow House majority, making control of the chamber one of the central battles of the November elections. But winning the House would not automatically trigger impeachment. Democratic leaders would still have to decide whether to pursue impeachment, what allegations to investigate and whether there is enough support within the party to move forward.<h2>What exactly does impeachment mean?</h2>One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the issue is that impeachment immediately removes a president from office.It does not. Think of impeachment as the House formally charging the president. The House investigates alleged misconduct and can approve articles of impeachment by a simple majority. If those articles pass, the process moves to the Senate. The Senate then conducts an impeachment trial. For Trump to actually be removed from office, two-thirds of senators present must vote to convict. That is a considerably higher threshold than the one required in the House.<h2>Why would Trump's removal be much harder?</h2>This is where the political mathematics become crucial. Even if Democrats take control of the House, they would need a sufficiently large Senate majority, or Republican senators willing to break with Trump, to reach the two-thirds threshold required for conviction. The Senate has 100 seats, so if all senators are present and voting, 67 votes would be required for conviction. A Democratic House majority therefore could potentially impeach Trump, but it would not by itself have the power to remove him.This distinction is likely to become an important part of the 2026 midterm debate.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republican-senator-thom-tillis-calls-on-trump-to-fire-pete-hegseth-over-his-inept-management-of-military-1788412160618">Republican Senator Thom Tillis calls on Trump to fire Pete Hegseth over his 'inept management' of military</a><h2>Trump has already been impeached twice</h2>Trump is not new to the impeachment process. During his first presidency, the House impeached him twice. The first impeachment, in 2019, involved allegations related to Trump's dealings with Ukraine. The second came in January 2021, when the House impeached Trump over the charge of incitement of insurrection following the January 6 attack on the US Capitol.&nbsp;Trump was acquitted by the Senate on both occasions. In his second impeachment trial, 57 senators voted to convict while 43 voted not guilty, falling short of the 67 votes required for conviction. A future impeachment would therefore be unprecedented in the sense that it would be a third impeachment of the same president.<h2>Are Democrats actually promising to impeach Trump?</h2>This is where the politics get murkier. Some Democratic lawmakers and progressive groups have pushed impeachment arguments, while Democratic leaders have been more cautious about committing the party to an immediate impeachment effort.Republicans, meanwhile, have increasingly made the possibility of a Democratic House impeachment a campaign issue.&nbsp;House Majority Leader Steve Scalise has warned that Democrats could move to impeach Trump if they regain the House, while Democratic leadership has not formally committed to such a strategy. The issue could therefore become a major Republican argument during the midterm campaign: that voting for Democrats could mean congressional investigations and potentially another Trump impeachment.<h2>What could Democrats do besides impeachment?</h2>A Democratic House majority would have another extremely powerful tool: congressional oversight. House committees could investigate Trump's administration, subpoena officials and demand documents and testimony. Recent reporting indicates that House Democrats are already considering aggressive oversight strategies should they regain control, including using Congress' spending authority to pressure administration officials and Trump's associates to cooperate with investigations. That means a Democratic House victory could produce a major increase in investigations even if Democratic leaders ultimately decide not to impeach Trump.<h2>So, could Trump actually be removed from office?</h2>Possible, but much harder than simply winning the House. The process would essentially require three major steps:1. Democrats win control of the House.2. The House approves articles of impeachment by a simple majority.3. The Senate convicts Trump by a two-thirds vote.The first two steps could theoretically happen with Democrats alone if they control the House and maintain party unity. The third step would almost certainly require a significant number of Republican senators to join Democrats, unless the Senate's future composition were dramatically different.<h2>Why the 2026 midterms matter</h2>The political stakes are therefore much bigger than simply determining which party controls Congress. The midterms will determine control of the House and Senate during the second half of Trump's presidency. Recent polling has shown political vulnerability for Trump. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released August 31 put Trump's approval rating at 33%, while Democrats showed higher enthusiasm for the midterms than Republicans in the survey. That does not guarantee a Democratic takeover. But it helps explain why the possibility of a House flip, and what Democrats might do with that power, is already becoming a major campaign issue.<h3>The bottom line</h3>If Democrats win the House in 2026, they would have the constitutional power to impeach Trump. But a House victory would not automatically remove him from office. Impeachment would require a simple House majority; removal would require a two-thirds Senate conviction. So the real question on election night may not simply be “Who won the House?” It could be: “Who controls the House, who controls the Senate, and how many senators are willing to break with Trump?”

Can Democrats impeach Trump if they win the House in 2026? Here’s what the Constitution says, how impeachment works and why removal requires the Senate

With the 2026 US midterm elections approaching, one question is increasingly becoming part of the political conversation in Washington: What happens to Donald Trump if Democrats regain control of the House of Representatives? The answer is more complicated than simply saying Trump would be impeached. A Democratic victory in the House could give the party the constitutional power to launch impeachment proceedings against the president. But impeachment is not the same as removal from office, and Democrats would face a much higher hurdle in the Senate if they wanted to actually remove Trump. Here is everything you need to know. Can Democrats impeach Trump if they win the House? Yes. The House of Representatives has the constitutional power to impeach federal officials, including the president. A simple majority vote in the House is enough to approve articles of impeachment. That means Democrats would not need Republican support in the House if they win enough seats to control the chamber and their members remain united. The 2026 midterms are particularly significant because all 435 House seats are up for election. Republicans currently hold a very narrow House majority, making control of the chamber one of the central battles of the November elections. But winning the House would not automatically trigger impeachment. Democratic leaders would still have to decide whether to pursue impeachment, what allegations to investigate and whether there is enough support within the party to move forward. What exactly does impeachment mean? One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the issue is that impeachment immediately removes a president from office. It does not. Think of impeachment as the House formally charging the president. The House investigates alleged misconduct and can approve articles of impeachment by a simple majority. If those articles pass, the process moves to the Senate. The Senate then conducts an impeachment trial. For Trump to actually be removed from office, two-thirds of senators present must vote to convict. That is a considerably higher threshold than the one required in the House. Why would Trump's removal be much harder? This is where the political mathematics become crucial. Even if Democrats take control of the House, they would need a sufficiently large Senate majority, or Republican senators willing to break with Trump, to reach the two-thirds threshold required for conviction. The Senate has 100 seats, so if all senators are present and voting, 67 votes would be required for conviction. A Democratic House majority therefore could potentially impeach Trump, but it would not by itself have the power to remove him. This distinction is likely to become an important part of the 2026 midterm debate. Also Read: Republican Senator Thom Tillis calls on Trump to fire Pete Hegseth over his 'inept management' of military Trump has already been impeached twice Trump is not new to the impeachment process. During his first presidency, the House impeached him twice. The first impeachment, in 2019, involved allegations related to Trump's dealings with Ukraine. The second came in January 2021, when the House impeached Trump over the charge of incitement of insurrection following the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. Trump was acquitted by the Senate on both occasions. In his second impeachment trial, 57 senators voted to convict while 43 voted not guilty, falling short of the 67 votes required for conviction. A future impeachment would therefore be unprecedented in the sense that it would be a third impeachment of the same president. Are Democrats actually promising to impeach Trump? This is where the politics get murkier. Some Democratic lawmakers and progressive groups have pushed impeachment arguments, while Democratic leaders have been more cautious about committing the party to an immediate impeachment effort. Republicans, meanwhile, have increasingly made the possibility of a Democratic House impeachment a campaign issue. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise has warned that Democrats could move to impeach Trump if they regain the House, while Democratic leadership has not formally committed to such a strategy. The issue could therefore become a major Republican argument during the midterm campaign: that voting for Democrats could mean congressional investigations and potentially another Trump impeachment. What could Democrats do besides impeachment? A Democratic House majority would have another extremely powerful tool: congressional oversight. House committees could investigate Trump's administration, subpoena officials and demand documents and testimony. Recent reporting indicates that House Democrats are already considering aggressive oversight strategies should they regain control, including using Congress' spending authority to pressure administration officials and Trump's associates to cooperate with investigations. That means a Democratic House victory could produce a major increase in investigations even if Democratic leaders ultimately decide not to impeach Trump. So, could Trump actually be removed from office? Possible, but much harder than simply winning the House. The process would essentially require three major steps: 1. Democrats win control of the House. 2. The House approves articles of impeachment by a simple majority. 3. The Senate convicts Trump by a two-thirds vote. The first two steps could theoretically happen with Democrats alone if they control the House and maintain party unity. The third step would almost certainly require a significant number of Republican senators to join Democrats, unless the Senate's future composition were dramatically different. Why the 2026 midterms matter The political stakes are therefore much bigger than simply determining which party controls Congress. The midterms will determine control of the House and Senate during the second half of Trump's presidency. Recent polling has shown political vulnerability for Trump. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released August 31 put Trump's approval rating at 33%, while Democrats showed higher enthusiasm for the midterms than Republicans in the survey. That does not guarantee a Democratic takeover. But it helps explain why the possibility of a House flip, and what Democrats might do with that power, is already becoming a major campaign issue. The bottom line If Democrats win the House in 2026, they would have the constitutional power to impeach Trump. But a House victory would not automatically remove him from office. Impeachment would require a simple House majority; removal would require a two-thirds Senate conviction. So the real question on election night may not simply be “Who won the House?” It could be: “Who controls the House, who controls the Senate, and how many senators are willing to break with Trump?”

Could Democrats impeach Donald Trump if they retake the House and the Senate in 2026? Here’s how impeachment works and why removal would be much harder

Trump impeachment looms over 2026 midterms: What happens if Democrats win the House and Senate

The immediate threat of a US government shutdown has been pushed beyond the November 2026 midterm elections. But for President Donald Trump, the political battle over government funding may prove more consequential than the shutdown itself.The House on September 1 passed a bipartisan stopgap funding measure by a sweeping 370-48 vote, extending government funding through December 11. The Senate had already approved the measure, effectively removing the possibility of a shutdown dominating the final stretch of the midterm campaign.&nbsp;On paper, that is a win for Trump and congressional Republicans. A government shutdown just weeks before voters head to the polls would have handed Democrats a powerful political weapon, allowing them to argue that Republicans, despite controlling Washington, could not keep the government functioning. But the political picture is considerably more complicated. For Trump, the biggest question is no longer simply whether the government stays open. It is whether Republicans can retain control of Congress after the midterms.&nbsp;The funding fight has once again highlighted the divisions within Washington and the difficulty of converting Republican control of the White House and Congress into a smooth governing agenda. The latest deal avoids an immediate crisis, but it also postpones the underlying confrontation. That could be politically useful for Trump. The government will remain funded through December 11, meaning the next major funding battle will come after voters have already cast their ballots. Trump and Republican candidates can therefore campaign without the immediate threat of federal workers being furloughed, government services being disrupted and Washington becoming consumed by another shutdown.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-trump-become-a-lame-duck-president-democrats-senate-comeback-house-majority-chances-in-us-midterm-elections-gather-pace-1788248973880">Will Trump become a lame-duck president? Democrats’ Senate comeback, House majority chances in midterm elections gather pace</a>&nbsp;That is particularly important because the 2026 midterms are increasingly being viewed as a referendum on Trump’s presidency.Recent polling offers the White House reason for concern. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found Trump’s approval rating at 33%, while Democrats appeared more motivated heading into the midterms. Forty-six per cent of Democrats surveyed said they were very enthusiastic about voting, compared with 31% of Republicans. Democrats also held an advantage among independents on the generic congressional ballot.&nbsp;Those numbers matter because turnout and enthusiasm can be decisive in midterm elections. The shutdown fight could therefore become part of a larger Democratic argument: if Republicans control Washington, voters should judge them on whether that control has produced tangible results. Democrats can point to the funding standoff as evidence of dysfunction. Republicans, on the other hand, will argue that they ultimately prevented a shutdown and secured a funding extension without allowing Democrats to dictate the terms.&nbsp;For Trump, the challenge will be controlling that narrative. The president has built much of his political appeal around projecting strength and delivering results. A prolonged budget crisis would have cut directly against that message. Avoiding the shutdown gives him an opportunity to move the campaign conversation back toward issues where Republicans believe they have stronger political ground. But avoiding one crisis does not automatically create momentum.&nbsp;The deeper danger for Trump is that the midterms could become less about individual Republican candidates and more about the president himself. Historically, midterm elections often function as a test of the party occupying the White House. If Democrats succeed in turning 2026 into a referendum on Trump's record, Republican candidates in competitive districts could find themselves defending the administration rather than simply campaigning on local issues.&nbsp;The stakes are enormous. A Republican loss of either the House or Senate would fundamentally alter Trump's political operating environment. A Democratic-controlled chamber could block or reshape parts of his agenda, intensify congressional investigations and make the remainder of his term considerably more difficult to navigate. The December funding deadline could then become an early test of that new political reality.&nbsp;If Republicans retain control, Trump could enter those negotiations with renewed leverage. If Democrats win control of Congress, the same funding fight could become one of the first major battlegrounds between Trump and a newly empowered opposition.That makes the current shutdown agreement less of an ending than a postponement.&nbsp;Trump has bought himself something valuable: time. But the midterms will determine what that time ultimately means. The shutdown threat may have been pushed beyond Election Day. The bigger question for Trump is whether voters will give Republicans another chance to control Washington. For now, the government stays open. For Trump, however, the political countdown to November has only become more important.

Trump avoids a government shutdown before the 2026 midterms, but low approval and Democratic momentum could make the elections a major test for his presidency

The immediate threat of a US government shutdown has been pushed beyond the November 2026 midterm elections. But for President Donald Trump, the political battle over government funding may prove more consequential than the shutdown itself. The House on September 1 passed a bipartisan stopgap funding measure by a sweeping 370-48 vote, extending government funding through December 11. The Senate had already approved the measure, effectively removing the possibility of a shutdown dominating the final stretch of the midterm campaign. On paper, that is a win for Trump and congressional Republicans. A government shutdown just weeks before voters head to the polls would have handed Democrats a powerful political weapon, allowing them to argue that Republicans, despite controlling Washington, could not keep the government functioning. But the political picture is considerably more complicated. For Trump, the biggest question is no longer simply whether the government stays open. It is whether Republicans can retain control of Congress after the midterms. The funding fight has once again highlighted the divisions within Washington and the difficulty of converting Republican control of the White House and Congress into a smooth governing agenda. The latest deal avoids an immediate crisis, but it also postpones the underlying confrontation. That could be politically useful for Trump. The government will remain funded through December 11, meaning the next major funding battle will come after voters have already cast their ballots. Trump and Republican candidates can therefore campaign without the immediate threat of federal workers being furloughed, government services being disrupted and Washington becoming consumed by another shutdown. Also Read: Will Trump become a lame-duck president? Democrats’ Senate comeback, House majority chances in midterm elections gather pace That is particularly important because the 2026 midterms are increasingly being viewed as a referendum on Trump’s presidency. Recent polling offers the White House reason for concern. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found Trump’s approval rating at 33%, while Democrats appeared more motivated heading into the midterms. Forty-six per cent of Democrats surveyed said they were very enthusiastic about voting, compared with 31% of Republicans. Democrats also held an advantage among independents on the generic congressional ballot. Those numbers matter because turnout and enthusiasm can be decisive in midterm elections. The shutdown fight could therefore become part of a larger Democratic argument: if Republicans control Washington, voters should judge them on whether that control has produced tangible results. Democrats can point to the funding standoff as evidence of dysfunction. Republicans, on the other hand, will argue that they ultimately prevented a shutdown and secured a funding extension without allowing Democrats to dictate the terms. For Trump, the challenge will be controlling that narrative. The president has built much of his political appeal around projecting strength and delivering results. A prolonged budget crisis would have cut directly against that message. Avoiding the shutdown gives him an opportunity to move the campaign conversation back toward issues where Republicans believe they have stronger political ground. But avoiding one crisis does not automatically create momentum. The deeper danger for Trump is that the midterms could become less about individual Republican candidates and more about the president himself. Historically, midterm elections often function as a test of the party occupying the White House. If Democrats succeed in turning 2026 into a referendum on Trump's record, Republican candidates in competitive districts could find themselves defending the administration rather than simply campaigning on local issues. The stakes are enormous. A Republican loss of either the House or Senate would fundamentally alter Trump's political operating environment. A Democratic-controlled chamber could block or reshape parts of his agenda, intensify congressional investigations and make the remainder of his term considerably more difficult to navigate. The December funding deadline could then become an early test of that new political reality. If Republicans retain control, Trump could enter those negotiations with renewed leverage. If Democrats win control of Congress, the same funding fight could become one of the first major battlegrounds between Trump and a newly empowered opposition. That makes the current shutdown agreement less of an ending than a postponement. Trump has bought himself something valuable: time. But the midterms will determine what that time ultimately means. The shutdown threat may have been pushed beyond Election Day. The bigger question for Trump is whether voters will give Republicans another chance to control Washington. For now, the government stays open. For Trump, however, the political countdown to November has only become more important.

Donald Trump avoids a pre-midterm shutdown, but low approval, Democratic enthusiasm and narrow GOP majorities make the 2026 elections a major test

Donald Trump dodges a shutdown. Now comes the bigger test: The midterm elections

Democrats’ chances of taking control of the US Senate in the midterm elections of November have increased. Both recent polling and prediction markets have given the odds between roughly 42 per cent and 51 per cent. Republicans currently hold 53 Senate seats to Democrats’ 47, which &nbsp;includes independents who caucus with Democrats. A four-seat gain is all it would take for the Dems to secure an outright 51-seat majority. A 50-50 Senate will not be good for them, as the Republican Vice President JD Vance - who chairs the upper house - would cast the tie-breaking vote. If the predictions come true, Donald Trump could become a lame-duck president, with the Democratic-majority Congress checkmating his legislative agenda, leaving the executive orders as the only path to implement his wishes.<h2>Prediction markets, election models put Democratic control at around 48-51 per cent</h2>Both Kalshi and Polymarket have shown near-even odds, while PredictIt and aggregated electionbettingodds.com have similarly placed the Senate race close to 50-50. This is a departure from a year ago, when Democrats' chances were only around 18 per cent. The various election models are currently showing a competitive picture, with Decision Desk HQ giving Democrats roughly a 48 per cent chance of control. The Economist put the figure around 46-50 per cent. The Fred Cornell gave a cautious 42 per cent chance for the Dems.&nbsp;Sabato’s Crystal Ball sees better chances for Dems if the current generic-ballot conditions, where they lead nationally by 6-7 points, persist.&nbsp;The Cook Political Report rates the Senate as a toss-up because of their momentum in traditionally red states.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-trump-declare-national-emergency-to-nationalise-midterm-elections-critics-think-so-and-supporters-want-him-to-1787497512485">Will Trump declare national emergency to 'nationalise' midterm elections? Critics think so, and supporters want him to</a><h2>North Carolina: A key to Democratic path to majority in Senate</h2>Democrats’ clearest route to 51 seats involves holding their existing seats while winning four Republican-held seats: North Carolina, Maine, Ohio and Alaska. They could also win in Iowa and Texas. But North Carolina is being seen as their strongest pickup opportunity. After Republican Senator Thom Tillis’ retirement, former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper is heavily favoured in many forecasts. As per the various predictions, the Democratic win probability ranges from roughly 78 per cent to more than 90 per cent.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-election-day-taking-shape-as-primary-season-continues-35-senate-seats-up-for-elections-1780413104198/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-election-day-taking-shape-as-primary-season-continues-35-senate-seats-up-for-elections-1780413104198/embed</a>Another major state for Dems is Maine, where Republican Senator Susan Collins faces a Democratic challenge and have estimated chance of victory at the 60-76 per cent range.Ohio is proving to be an even contest. Alaska is competitive too, with Democrat Mary Peltola mounting a strong challenge against Republican Senator Dan Sullivan.Iowa and Texas could be additional gains, though the races there are tougher. Iowa could be either a toss-up or Republican-leaning.Republican-leaning Texas has some strong Democrat candidates like James Talarico.But the Democrats would need to hold Georgia, Michigan and New Hampshire, while trying to make gains in the states discussed above. Some of the analysis, however, says that they can afford to lose one difficult contest and still reach 51.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-midterms-iran-deal-ken-paxton-texas-primary-1779946206827">Trump says he ‘doesn’t care about midterms’, claims Iran desperate for deal</a><h2>House of Representatives tilts Democratic</h2>The wind is favourable for Democrats in the House of Representatives, where Republicans currently have a narrow majority of around 218 to 212, with vacancies. A small net gain for Dems in the midterms - three to six seats- &nbsp;can help them reach the 218 mark.Prediction markets put Democratic control of the House at roughly 80-85 per cent or higher. The Economist model has placed Democratic chances near 90 per cent, with a median projection showing a gain of about 35 seats for them.Generic-ballot polling has consistently given Democrats a mid- to high-single-digit advantage.&nbsp;Despite mid-decade redistricting complicating parts of the US election map, the national political environment and historical midterm losses suffered by the president’s party could give Democrats enough momentum to regain control of both chambers.

Democrats’ chances of retaking the Senate are high, if one goes by the recent predictions. House prospects strongly favour them too. Senate races to watch for are in North Carolina, Maine, Ohio, Alaska and Texas

Democrats’ chances of taking control of the US Senate in the midterm elections of November have increased. Both recent polling and prediction markets have given the odds between roughly 42 per cent and 51 per cent. Republicans currently hold 53 Senate seats to Democrats’ 47, which includes independents who caucus with Democrats. A four-seat gain is all it would take for the Dems to secure an outright 51-seat majority. A 50-50 Senate will not be good for them, as the Republican Vice President JD Vance - who chairs the upper house - would cast the tie-breaking vote. If the predictions come true, Donald Trump could become a lame-duck president, with the Democratic-majority Congress checkmating his legislative agenda, leaving the executive orders as the only path to implement his wishes. Prediction markets, election models put Democratic control at around 48-51 per cent Both Kalshi and Polymarket have shown near-even odds, while PredictIt and aggregated electionbettingodds.com have similarly placed the Senate race close to 50-50. This is a departure from a year ago, when Democrats' chances were only around 18 per cent. The various election models are currently showing a competitive picture, with Decision Desk HQ giving Democrats roughly a 48 per cent chance of control. The Economist put the figure around 46-50 per cent. The Fred Cornell gave a cautious 42 per cent chance for the Dems. Sabato’s Crystal Ball sees better chances for Dems if the current generic-ballot conditions, where they lead nationally by 6-7 points, persist. The Cook Political Report rates the Senate as a toss-up because of their momentum in traditionally red states. Also read: Will Trump declare national emergency to 'nationalise' midterm elections? Critics think so, and supporters want him to North Carolina: A key to Democratic path to majority in Senate Democrats’ clearest route to 51 seats involves holding their existing seats while winning four Republican-held seats: North Carolina, Maine, Ohio and Alaska. They could also win in Iowa and Texas. But North Carolina is being seen as their strongest pickup opportunity. After Republican Senator Thom Tillis’ retirement, former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper is heavily favoured in many forecasts. As per the various predictions, the Democratic win probability ranges from roughly 78 per cent to more than 90 per cent. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-election-day-taking-shape-as-primary-season-continues-35-senate-seats-up-for-elections-1780413104198/embed Another major state for Dems is Maine, where Republican Senator Susan Collins faces a Democratic challenge and have estimated chance of victory at the 60-76 per cent range. Ohio is proving to be an even contest. Alaska is competitive too, with Democrat Mary Peltola mounting a strong challenge against Republican Senator Dan Sullivan. Iowa and Texas could be additional gains, though the races there are tougher. Iowa could be either a toss-up or Republican-leaning. Republican-leaning Texas has some strong Democrat candidates like James Talarico. But the Democrats would need to hold Georgia, Michigan and New Hampshire, while trying to make gains in the states discussed above. Some of the analysis, however, says that they can afford to lose one difficult contest and still reach 51. Also read: Trump says he ‘doesn’t care about midterms’, claims Iran desperate for deal House of Representatives tilts Democratic The wind is favourable for Democrats in the House of Representatives, where Republicans currently have a narrow majority of around 218 to 212, with vacancies. A small net gain for Dems in the midterms - three to six seats- can help them reach the 218 mark. Prediction markets put Democratic control of the House at roughly 80-85 per cent or higher. The Economist model has placed Democratic chances near 90 per cent, with a median projection showing a gain of about 35 seats for them. Generic-ballot polling has consistently given Democrats a mid- to high-single-digit advantage. Despite mid-decade redistricting complicating parts of the US election map, the national political environment and historical midterm losses suffered by the president’s party could give Democrats enough momentum to regain control of both chambers.

Democrats’ chances of retaking the Senate are high, if one goes by the recent predictions. House prospects strongly favour them too. Senate races to watch for are in North Carolina, Maine, Ohio, Alaska and Texas

Will Trump become a lame-duck president? Democrats’ Senate comeback, House majority chances in midterm elections gather pace

US President Donald Trump may be heading into the 2026 midterm elections with a problem that could prove costly: women, including white women who helped him expand the Republican coalition in 2024, are showing signs of pulling away. A new national poll shows that white women are falling out of love with Trump, and Democrats may be benefiting from it and are moving from a clear deficit to an eight-point lead among a voting bloc that has long leaned Republican.A national survey of 1,604 women by Bellwether Research and Consulting found that only 32 per cent approve of Trump's job performance. That is well below the roughly 46 per cent of women who backed him in the 2024 presidential election. Even among women who voted for Trump, one in four now disapproves of his performance.The shift is particularly striking among white women, reports The Times. The Bellwether data shows Republicans led Democrats 55 per cent to 44 per cent among white women in 2024. In August 2026, that has flipped, with Democrats ahead 47 per cent to 39 per cent. That is a 19-point swing in the Democratic direction.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-canada-trade-war-trump-orders-lake-ontario-renamed-lake-america-canada-hits-back-1787878478524">US-Canada trade war: Canada hits back as Trump orders Lake Ontario renamed 'Lake America'</a><h2>Economy is a bigger concern than Trump's cultural agenda</h2>The numbers suggest that household finances may be doing more damage to Trump's standing with women than the cultural issues that have defined much of his second term.In the Bellwether survey, 38 per cent of women named the economy and cost of living as the country's most important issue. Healthcare, Medicare, and Social Security came next at 17 per cent, followed by democracy, government, and the rule of law at 11 per cent. Several of Trump's signature policies also faced majority opposition.Around 68 per cent opposed the planned White House ballroom, including 43 per cent of Republican women. Tariffs were opposed by 63 per cent, while 61 per cent opposed data centres being built in their states.The survey also found 55 per cent opposed splitting the MMR vaccine into three separate shots and 53 per cent opposed increased glyphosate production. Deportations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement were opposed by 51 per cent, although Republican women remained strongly supportive.<h2>White women could become a major midterm problem</h2>The white women's numbers stand out because this was a group Republicans performed particularly well with in recent elections.In 2022, Republican candidates led among white women in the House vote by 8 points. That advantage widened to 11 points in 2024. However, the latest Bellwether figures put Democrats 8 points ahead.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mojtaba-khamenei-alive-dead-iran-war-putting-on-show-mystery-1787800507116">'If he is dead, they're putting on a pretty good show': Trump casts fresh doubt over Mojtaba Khamenei's fate</a><h2>Not a happy White House</h2>The polling comes at a time when the president's relationship with his own staff is reportedly becoming strained. According to New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman, Trump's White House is "not a happy White House" and said many staff members are already thinking about leaving."Most people have decided that they want to go do something else," Haberman told MS Now.She also said Trump has been "lashing out" at staff, particularly when political circumstances are not going his way. "He is not in a great place with his staff, according to everyone we talked to," Haberman said.The White House responded by attacking Haberman personally, accusing her of being obsessed with Trump.<h2>Karoline Leavitt's exit adds to the questions</h2>One of the most prominent departures is White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who left her post this week after saying she wanted to spend more time with her young family. Trump has backed her decision and said she will remain a top outside adviser and influential voice in Republican politics.

A key voting bloc that helped Donald Trump expand the Republican coalition in 2024 is showing signs of shifting again. New polling suggests women, particularly white women, could emerge as a major problem for Trump and Republicans in the 2026 midterms.

US President Donald Trump may be heading into the 2026 midterm elections with a problem that could prove costly: women, including white women who helped him expand the Republican coalition in 2024, are showing signs of pulling away. A new national poll shows that white women are falling out of love with Trump, and Democrats may be benefiting from it and are moving from a clear deficit to an eight-point lead among a voting bloc that has long leaned Republican. A national survey of 1,604 women by Bellwether Research and Consulting found that only 32 per cent approve of Trump's job performance. That is well below the roughly 46 per cent of women who backed him in the 2024 presidential election. Even among women who voted for Trump, one in four now disapproves of his performance. The shift is particularly striking among white women, reports The Times. The Bellwether data shows Republicans led Democrats 55 per cent to 44 per cent among white women in 2024. In August 2026, that has flipped, with Democrats ahead 47 per cent to 39 per cent. That is a 19-point swing in the Democratic direction. Also read | US-Canada trade war: Canada hits back as Trump orders Lake Ontario renamed 'Lake America' Economy is a bigger concern than Trump's cultural agenda The numbers suggest that household finances may be doing more damage to Trump's standing with women than the cultural issues that have defined much of his second term. In the Bellwether survey, 38 per cent of women named the economy and cost of living as the country's most important issue. Healthcare, Medicare, and Social Security came next at 17 per cent, followed by democracy, government, and the rule of law at 11 per cent. Several of Trump's signature policies also faced majority opposition. Around 68 per cent opposed the planned White House ballroom, including 43 per cent of Republican women. Tariffs were opposed by 63 per cent, while 61 per cent opposed data centres being built in their states. The survey also found 55 per cent opposed splitting the MMR vaccine into three separate shots and 53 per cent opposed increased glyphosate production. Deportations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement were opposed by 51 per cent, although Republican women remained strongly supportive. White women could become a major midterm problem The white women's numbers stand out because this was a group Republicans performed particularly well with in recent elections. In 2022, Republican candidates led among white women in the House vote by 8 points. That advantage widened to 11 points in 2024. However, the latest Bellwether figures put Democrats 8 points ahead. Also read | 'If he is dead, they're putting on a pretty good show': Trump casts fresh doubt over Mojtaba Khamenei's fate Not a happy White House The polling comes at a time when the president's relationship with his own staff is reportedly becoming strained. According to New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman, Trump's White House is "not a happy White House" and said many staff members are already thinking about leaving. "Most people have decided that they want to go do something else," Haberman told MS Now. She also said Trump has been "lashing out" at staff, particularly when political circumstances are not going his way. "He is not in a great place with his staff, according to everyone we talked to," Haberman said. The White House responded by attacking Haberman personally, accusing her of being obsessed with Trump. Karoline Leavitt's exit adds to the questions One of the most prominent departures is White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who left her post this week after saying she wanted to spend more time with her young family. Trump has backed her decision and said she will remain a top outside adviser and influential voice in Republican politics.

A key voting bloc that helped Donald Trump expand the Republican coalition in 2024 is showing signs of shifting again. New polling suggests women, particularly white women, could emerge as a major problem for Trump and Republicans in the 2026 midterms.

Trump's women problem? White women abandoning Republicans ahead of 2026 midterms, shows report

The Trump administration has suffered its 21st courtroom setback this year in its effort to compel states to hand over voter registration records, with a federal judge ruling that states are not legally required to provide the requested voter rolls to the federal government. As Republicans defend narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, the administration has intensified efforts to increase federal oversight of election administration.&nbsp;President Donald Trump has repeatedly argued that widespread noncitizen voting benefits the Democratic Party. However, multiple state audits and independent studies have consistently concluded that noncitizen voting remains extremely rare. A Reuters investigation found that only 129 people have been prosecuted for noncitizen voting since it became a federal crime in 1996. According to the report, most cases resulted from voter confusion or communication errors with election officials rather than organized voter fraud.&nbsp;Federal courts have repeatedly ruled that the US Constitution grants states primary authority over administering federal elections and that existing federal voting laws do not require states to provide unredacted voter registration records to the Justice Department. "If the Department disagrees with Congress’s judgment ​as to the records necessary to carry out its enforcement duties ... it needs to lodge that objection with Congress," US District Judge Randolph Moss, an appointee of Democratic President Barack Obama, wrote on Thursday ​in dismissing a Justice Department bid to obtain unredacted voter rolls from Washington, DC.&nbsp;The Justice Department has filed lawsuits against more than two dozen states that declined requests to provide voter rolls containing personal information, including dates of birth and partial Social Security numbers. Alongside its legal efforts, the administration has warned states that certain federal disaster funds could be withheld if they do not use the federal SAVE database to verify voter citizenship. It has also pursued policies aimed at limiting eligibility for mail-in voting. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon said in a statement on Monday: "Ensuring that only eligible citizens vote is a core function of government, and ​states have an obligation to maintain accurate voter rolls."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-taiwan-s-president-lai-ching-te-was-taken-to-a-secret-command-centre-during-war-drills-1786102083729">Why Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te was taken to a secret command centre during war drills</a><h2>Justice Department appeals court losses</h2>Since January, federal judges appointed by both Democratic and Republican presidents have ruled against the Justice Department in 21 cases involving voter roll requests. Those rulings include decisions from states led by both parties, such as California and West Virginia. Nine similar lawsuits remain pending, leaving open the possibility of future victories for the administration. The Justice Department has appealed 16 of its losses. One appeal has already been rejected after the Cincinnati-based 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the dismissal of the department's lawsuit against Michigan on June 24. The department has requested a full review by the court's active judges.&nbsp;The administration could also seek review from the US Supreme Court, where conservative justices hold a 6-3 majority, although there is no guarantee the court would agree to hear the cases. In July, Harmeet Dhillon sent letters to election officials in all 50 states warning that they could face criminal charges if they knowingly allowed non-US citizens to remain on voter registration lists. The Department of Homeland Security also announced that certain disaster relief funds could be withheld from states that fail to use the SAVE immigration database to verify voter eligibility.&nbsp;Separately, the Justice Department has asked the Supreme Court to allow enforcement of an executive order directing DHS to compile lists of US citizens eligible to vote in each state while restricting mail ballots to voters appearing on those lists. A federal judge blocked the order in several states, ruling that federal agencies currently lack the capability to accurately create such voter lists. The Supreme Court has not yet ruled.<h2>Judge calls effort a 'fishing expedition'</h2>Justice Department attorneys have argued that comparing state voter rolls with the federal SAVE database would help identify non-US citizens who may be registered to vote. Democrats and voting rights organizations have questioned the reliability of SAVE data for determining citizenship status. In a June 27 ruling involving Pennsylvania, US District Judge Cathy Bissoon criticised the federal government's request.&nbsp;In a June 27 order denying the ​administration's bid to obtain Pennsylvania's voter list, Pittsburgh-based US District Judge Cathy Bissoon, an Obama appointee, said the federal government was on a "fishing expedition" to “advance unsubstantiated claims ​of non-citizen voting.” The Justice Department has appealed that ruling before the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals, which has not yet scheduled arguments.&nbsp;A ​Justice Department spokesperson cited a July 17 Department of Homeland Security finding that more than 250,000 potential noncitizens were registered to vote ​in four states, as well as New Jersey's disclosure that 400 noncitizens cast ballots after being mistakenly registered between 2023 and 2024. The Department of Homeland Security did not specify how many of the 250,000 individuals were confirmed noncitizens, how many actually voted or how the estimate was calculated. New Jersey officials also said there was no evidence the mistakenly cast ballots affected the outcome of any election.

The Trump administration faces its 21st courtroom loss over state voter rolls as federal judges rule states are not obligated to share voter records. The Justice Department continues appeals ahead of the midterm elections

The Trump administration has suffered its 21st courtroom setback this year in its effort to compel states to hand over voter registration records, with a federal judge ruling that states are not legally required to provide the requested voter rolls to the federal government. As Republicans defend narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, the administration has intensified efforts to increase federal oversight of election administration. President Donald Trump has repeatedly argued that widespread noncitizen voting benefits the Democratic Party. However, multiple state audits and independent studies have consistently concluded that noncitizen voting remains extremely rare. A Reuters investigation found that only 129 people have been prosecuted for noncitizen voting since it became a federal crime in 1996. According to the report, most cases resulted from voter confusion or communication errors with election officials rather than organized voter fraud. Federal courts have repeatedly ruled that the US Constitution grants states primary authority over administering federal elections and that existing federal voting laws do not require states to provide unredacted voter registration records to the Justice Department. "If the Department disagrees with Congress’s judgment as to the records necessary to carry out its enforcement duties ... it needs to lodge that objection with Congress," US District Judge Randolph Moss, an appointee of Democratic President Barack Obama, wrote on Thursday in dismissing a Justice Department bid to obtain unredacted voter rolls from Washington, DC. The Justice Department has filed lawsuits against more than two dozen states that declined requests to provide voter rolls containing personal information, including dates of birth and partial Social Security numbers. Alongside its legal efforts, the administration has warned states that certain federal disaster funds could be withheld if they do not use the federal SAVE database to verify voter citizenship. It has also pursued policies aimed at limiting eligibility for mail-in voting. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon said in a statement on Monday: "Ensuring that only eligible citizens vote is a core function of government, and states have an obligation to maintain accurate voter rolls." Also Read: Why Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te was taken to a secret command centre during war drills Justice Department appeals court losses Since January, federal judges appointed by both Democratic and Republican presidents have ruled against the Justice Department in 21 cases involving voter roll requests. Those rulings include decisions from states led by both parties, such as California and West Virginia. Nine similar lawsuits remain pending, leaving open the possibility of future victories for the administration. The Justice Department has appealed 16 of its losses. One appeal has already been rejected after the Cincinnati-based 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the dismissal of the department's lawsuit against Michigan on June 24. The department has requested a full review by the court's active judges. The administration could also seek review from the US Supreme Court, where conservative justices hold a 6-3 majority, although there is no guarantee the court would agree to hear the cases. In July, Harmeet Dhillon sent letters to election officials in all 50 states warning that they could face criminal charges if they knowingly allowed non-US citizens to remain on voter registration lists. The Department of Homeland Security also announced that certain disaster relief funds could be withheld from states that fail to use the SAVE immigration database to verify voter eligibility. Separately, the Justice Department has asked the Supreme Court to allow enforcement of an executive order directing DHS to compile lists of US citizens eligible to vote in each state while restricting mail ballots to voters appearing on those lists. A federal judge blocked the order in several states, ruling that federal agencies currently lack the capability to accurately create such voter lists. The Supreme Court has not yet ruled. Judge calls effort a 'fishing expedition' Justice Department attorneys have argued that comparing state voter rolls with the federal SAVE database would help identify non-US citizens who may be registered to vote. Democrats and voting rights organizations have questioned the reliability of SAVE data for determining citizenship status. In a June 27 ruling involving Pennsylvania, US District Judge Cathy Bissoon criticised the federal government's request. In a June 27 order denying the administration's bid to obtain Pennsylvania's voter list, Pittsburgh-based US District Judge Cathy Bissoon, an Obama appointee, said the federal government was on a "fishing expedition" to “advance unsubstantiated claims of non-citizen voting.” The Justice Department has appealed that ruling before the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals, which has not yet scheduled arguments. A Justice Department spokesperson cited a July 17 Department of Homeland Security finding that more than 250,000 potential noncitizens were registered to vote in four states, as well as New Jersey's disclosure that 400 noncitizens cast ballots after being mistakenly registered between 2023 and 2024. The Department of Homeland Security did not specify how many of the 250,000 individuals were confirmed noncitizens, how many actually voted or how the estimate was calculated. New Jersey officials also said there was no evidence the mistakenly cast ballots affected the outcome of any election.

The Trump administration suffered its 21st court defeat in efforts to obtain state voter rolls, as judges ruled states are not required to share election records with the federal government

21 losses and counting: Trump administration's voter roll strategy faces fresh defeat ahead of midterms

For Democrats, the November midterm elections were about trying to win majorities in the US Senate and the US House of Representatives, which could have upended Donald Trump's legislative agenda and turned him into a lame-duck president for the rest of his term. But the exit of Democratic Senate contender Graham Platner over sexual assault allegations appears to have dealt a sharp blow to those hopes. Platner announced that he is suspending his campaign, leaving Democrats scrambling to find a replacement candidate in one of their key Senate targets.<h2>Platner's message on suspending his Senate campaign</h2>In an 11-minute video posted on X on Thursday (Jul 9), Platner announced his decision to suspend campaign operations. He said it was necessary for the movement to continue because it "can't be me", citing the loss of key resources such as fundraising and institutional support following actions by Democratic leaders and the media. Platner, who won the Democratic primary decisively in June, stressed that his decision was not an admission of guilt and denied the allegations against him. He accused the Democratic establishment and sections of the media of acting as "judge, jury and executioner".<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/democratic-party-s-maine-senate-candidate-graham-plater-faces-sexual-assault-charge-1783527136273/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/democratic-party-s-maine-senate-candidate-graham-plater-faces-sexual-assault-charge-1783527136273/embed</a><h2>Democrats' path to flipping Maine Senate seat in jeopardy</h2>Platner said he would not immediately file formal withdrawal paperwork, in order to allow time for a fair replacement process. Maine Democrats have until around July 27 to select and certify a new nominee. Platner stressed the need for an "open, transparent, and democratic" process for choosing a replacement candidate.However, the damage has already been done for the Democrats.&nbsp;They had hoped to flip the Maine Senate seat currently held by Republican Senator Susan Collins in one of the party's best pickup opportunities. Although Maine backed Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, Collins has remained one of the Republican Party's strongest statewide candidates. Platner's exit leaves Democrats scrambling to field a replacement nominee with only a few months remaining before the election, potentially weakening their chances of regaining control of the Senate.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-democrats-bad-republicans-for-unpatriotic-us-house-vote-to-end-iran-war-1780575903086">Trump slams Democrats, ‘bad’ Republicans for ‘unpatriotic’ US House vote to end Iran war</a><h2>What is the sexual assault allegation against Graham Platner?</h2>Platner was accused of sexual assault by Jenny Racicot, a 41-year-old woman who said she had an on-and-off dating relationship with him for more than two years beginning around 2019. The two reportedly met through a dating app. Racicot alleged that, in late 2021, an intoxicated Platner entered her Maine home uninvited and forced her to have sex despite her repeated objections and requests for him to stop.She described the incident as rape, saying she ended all contact with Platner afterwards and disclosed the alleged assault to her therapist and trusted confidants at the time.Platner has denied the allegations, calling any accusation of non-consensual behaviour "categorically untrue".&nbsp;But his position has been complicated by renewed scrutiny of past allegations of mistreatment of women, as well as previously deleted online comments in which he suggested that sexual assault victims bore "some responsibility". Support eroded in recent weeks, with growing calls for him to withdraw from the Maine Senate race. Several national Democratic leaders also withdrew their endorsements, significantly undermining his viability as a candidate.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-media-and-democrats-would-spin-even-iranian-surrender-as-us-defeat-1779123203379">Trump says media and Democrats would spin even Iranian surrender as US defeat</a><h2>How Platner's exit hurts Democrats</h2>An Army veteran, Platner built a notable grassroots and populist campaign despite being a political newcomer, winning the Democratic primary against better-known establishment figures.A rushed replacement process could leave Democrats with a weaker or less unified candidate, giving Collins an even stronger advantage. The episode may also force Democrats to divert resources away from other competitive Senate races, making their path to a Senate majority even more difficult.<h2>The current position of the Senate and House of Representatives</h2>In the 119th US Congress, Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate. The Democratic caucus of 47 includes two independents who caucus with the Democrats.Among the 35 Senate seats up for election in the midterms, Republicans are defending about 23 seats. While Democrats have more pickup opportunities, the overall electoral map is still considered relatively favourable to Republicans. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to secure a 51-49 majority.States such as Georgia, Michigan and North Carolina are competitive battlegrounds, although Republicans currently hold a slight-to-moderate advantage in retaining Senate control.In the House of Representatives, Republicans hold a narrow 218-212 majority, with several seats vacant. Despite the slim Republican advantage, Democrats remain favoured by many political analysts and prediction markets to regain control of the House in the midterms, with some forecasts placing their chances at between 70 and 85 per cent.

Graham Platner, the Democratic Senate candidate for Maine, suspended his campaign after sexual assault allegations. This is a setback to Democratic hopes of flipping a key Senate seat in the 2026 US midterm elections.

For Democrats, the November midterm elections were about trying to win majorities in the US Senate and the US House of Representatives, which could have upended Donald Trump's legislative agenda and turned him into a lame-duck president for the rest of his term. But the exit of Democratic Senate contender Graham Platner over sexual assault allegations appears to have dealt a sharp blow to those hopes. Platner announced that he is suspending his campaign, leaving Democrats scrambling to find a replacement candidate in one of their key Senate targets. Platner's message on suspending his Senate campaign In an 11-minute video posted on X on Thursday (Jul 9), Platner announced his decision to suspend campaign operations. He said it was necessary for the movement to continue because it "can't be me", citing the loss of key resources such as fundraising and institutional support following actions by Democratic leaders and the media. Platner, who won the Democratic primary decisively in June, stressed that his decision was not an admission of guilt and denied the allegations against him. He accused the Democratic establishment and sections of the media of acting as "judge, jury and executioner". https://www.wionews.com/videos/democratic-party-s-maine-senate-candidate-graham-plater-faces-sexual-assault-charge-1783527136273/embed Democrats' path to flipping Maine Senate seat in jeopardy Platner said he would not immediately file formal withdrawal paperwork, in order to allow time for a fair replacement process. Maine Democrats have until around July 27 to select and certify a new nominee. Platner stressed the need for an "open, transparent, and democratic" process for choosing a replacement candidate. However, the damage has already been done for the Democrats. They had hoped to flip the Maine Senate seat currently held by Republican Senator Susan Collins in one of the party's best pickup opportunities. Although Maine backed Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, Collins has remained one of the Republican Party's strongest statewide candidates. Platner's exit leaves Democrats scrambling to field a replacement nominee with only a few months remaining before the election, potentially weakening their chances of regaining control of the Senate. Also read: Trump slams Democrats, ‘bad’ Republicans for ‘unpatriotic’ US House vote to end Iran war What is the sexual assault allegation against Graham Platner? Platner was accused of sexual assault by Jenny Racicot, a 41-year-old woman who said she had an on-and-off dating relationship with him for more than two years beginning around 2019. The two reportedly met through a dating app. Racicot alleged that, in late 2021, an intoxicated Platner entered her Maine home uninvited and forced her to have sex despite her repeated objections and requests for him to stop. She described the incident as rape, saying she ended all contact with Platner afterwards and disclosed the alleged assault to her therapist and trusted confidants at the time. Platner has denied the allegations, calling any accusation of non-consensual behaviour "categorically untrue". But his position has been complicated by renewed scrutiny of past allegations of mistreatment of women, as well as previously deleted online comments in which he suggested that sexual assault victims bore "some responsibility". Support eroded in recent weeks, with growing calls for him to withdraw from the Maine Senate race. Several national Democratic leaders also withdrew their endorsements, significantly undermining his viability as a candidate. Also read: Trump says media and Democrats would spin even Iranian surrender as US defeat How Platner's exit hurts Democrats An Army veteran, Platner built a notable grassroots and populist campaign despite being a political newcomer, winning the Democratic primary against better-known establishment figures. A rushed replacement process could leave Democrats with a weaker or less unified candidate, giving Collins an even stronger advantage. The episode may also force Democrats to divert resources away from other competitive Senate races, making their path to a Senate majority even more difficult. The current position of the Senate and House of Representatives In the 119th US Congress, Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate. The Democratic caucus of 47 includes two independents who caucus with the Democrats. Among the 35 Senate seats up for election in the midterms, Republicans are defending about 23 seats. While Democrats have more pickup opportunities, the overall electoral map is still considered relatively favourable to Republicans. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to secure a 51-49 majority. States such as Georgia, Michigan and North Carolina are competitive battlegrounds, although Republicans currently hold a slight-to-moderate advantage in retaining Senate control. In the House of Representatives, Republicans hold a narrow 218-212 majority, with several seats vacant. Despite the slim Republican advantage, Democrats remain favoured by many political analysts and prediction markets to regain control of the House in the midterms, with some forecasts placing their chances at between 70 and 85 per cent.

Graham Platner, the Democratic Senate candidate for Maine, suspended his campaign after sexual assault allegations. This is a setback to Democratic hopes of flipping a key Senate seat in the 2026 US midterm elections.

Why Graham Platner ending Maine Senate campaign after sexual assault allegation complicates Democrats' midterm election chances

Denise Powell secured victory in the Democratic primary for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District on Wednesday (May 13), winning a closely watched race centered around the district’s influential ‘blue dot’ status in presidential elections. The Omaha-based district has become one of the Democratic Party’s top battleground targets this midterm cycle following the retirement of Republican Congressman Don Bacon. The district also receives national attention during presidential elections because Nebraska is one of only two states that splits its Electoral College votes by congressional district. Nebraska’s 2nd District has earned the nickname ‘blue dot’ after supporting Democratic presidential candidates in three of the last five elections since 2008, despite the state’s overall Republican dominance.&nbsp;Powell, a longtime political activist, defeated state Senator John Cavanaugh and several other candidates in a competitive Democratic primary race that remained too close to call on election night. She will now face Brinker Harding, a Republican Omaha City Council member endorsed by President Donald Trump. Harding ran unopposed in the Republican primary. “This country and Nebraska are worth fighting for, and I’m ready to spend the next six months working for every vote and sharing my vision for Nebraska so we can finally have a representative in Congress who will serve us,” Powell said in a statement. “It’s time to be brave.”&nbsp;Powell ultimately led Cavanaugh by 2.1 percentage points, or roughly 1,080 votes, out of more than 51,000 ballots counted. The Associated Press projected Powell as the winner after election officials in Douglas County reported that the number of outstanding ballots was too small for Cavanaugh to overcome the margin. Douglas County accounted for nearly 93 per cent of all votes cast in the district.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-chinese-companies-plot-covert-weapons-transfers-to-iran-here-s-what-us-intelligence-claims-1778717551853">Did Chinese companies plot covert weapons transfers to Iran? Here's what US intelligence claims</a><h2>One of the most competitive House races</h2>The general election matchup between Powell and Harding is expected to become one of the most competitive House races in the country as Democrats attempt to regain control of the House of Representatives during the second half of Trump’s presidency. Nebraska’s 2nd District is one of only three congressional districts nationwide that voted for Democrat Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election while simultaneously electing a Republican member of Congress.&nbsp;Trump carried the district in 2016, while Bacon, who occasionally clashed with Trump during his time in office, held the congressional seat for five consecutive terms before announcing his retirement. The Nebraska Republican Party responded to Powell’s victory by warning against growing Democratic investment in the state. “The left wants Nebraska, and we are going to make sure they don’t get it,” said Nebraska GOP Chair Mary Jane Truemper.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-moves-to-create-first-central-spy-agency-since-world-war-ii-1778695192311/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-moves-to-create-first-central-spy-agency-since-world-war-ii-1778695192311/embed</a><h2>Powell’s progressive campaign</h2>Powell, who is Latina, co-founded Women Who Run Nebraska, a political action committee focused on supporting progressive female candidates across the state. She also received endorsements from prominent Democratic groups, including EMILY’s List and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ campaign arm. Although she has never held elected office, Powell argued throughout the campaign that her strong community ties and grassroots organizing experience positioned her well with independent and third-party voters, who make up nearly 30 per cent of the district’s electorate.&nbsp;Some Democrats had expressed concerns that a victory by Cavanaugh could weaken the district’s 'blue dot' status because it would create an opening in the Nebraska Legislature that Republicans might use to push changes to the state’s unique electoral vote system. That electoral structure has made Nebraska’s 2nd District one of the most politically significant swing districts in the country.

Denise Powell wins Nebraska’s 2nd District Democratic primary, setting up a major House showdown in the state’s influential 'blue dot' district

Denise Powell secured victory in the Democratic primary for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District on Wednesday (May 13), winning a closely watched race centered around the district’s influential ‘blue dot’ status in presidential elections. The Omaha-based district has become one of the Democratic Party’s top battleground targets this midterm cycle following the retirement of Republican Congressman Don Bacon. The district also receives national attention during presidential elections because Nebraska is one of only two states that splits its Electoral College votes by congressional district. Nebraska’s 2nd District has earned the nickname ‘blue dot’ after supporting Democratic presidential candidates in three of the last five elections since 2008, despite the state’s overall Republican dominance. Powell, a longtime political activist, defeated state Senator John Cavanaugh and several other candidates in a competitive Democratic primary race that remained too close to call on election night. She will now face Brinker Harding, a Republican Omaha City Council member endorsed by President Donald Trump. Harding ran unopposed in the Republican primary. “This country and Nebraska are worth fighting for, and I’m ready to spend the next six months working for every vote and sharing my vision for Nebraska so we can finally have a representative in Congress who will serve us,” Powell said in a statement. “It’s time to be brave.” Powell ultimately led Cavanaugh by 2.1 percentage points, or roughly 1,080 votes, out of more than 51,000 ballots counted. The Associated Press projected Powell as the winner after election officials in Douglas County reported that the number of outstanding ballots was too small for Cavanaugh to overcome the margin. Douglas County accounted for nearly 93 per cent of all votes cast in the district. Also Read: Did Chinese companies plot covert weapons transfers to Iran? Here's what US intelligence claims One of the most competitive House races The general election matchup between Powell and Harding is expected to become one of the most competitive House races in the country as Democrats attempt to regain control of the House of Representatives during the second half of Trump’s presidency. Nebraska’s 2nd District is one of only three congressional districts nationwide that voted for Democrat Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election while simultaneously electing a Republican member of Congress. Trump carried the district in 2016, while Bacon, who occasionally clashed with Trump during his time in office, held the congressional seat for five consecutive terms before announcing his retirement. The Nebraska Republican Party responded to Powell’s victory by warning against growing Democratic investment in the state. “The left wants Nebraska, and we are going to make sure they don’t get it,” said Nebraska GOP Chair Mary Jane Truemper. https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-moves-to-create-first-central-spy-agency-since-world-war-ii-1778695192311/embed Powell’s progressive campaign Powell, who is Latina, co-founded Women Who Run Nebraska, a political action committee focused on supporting progressive female candidates across the state. She also received endorsements from prominent Democratic groups, including EMILY’s List and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ campaign arm. Although she has never held elected office, Powell argued throughout the campaign that her strong community ties and grassroots organizing experience positioned her well with independent and third-party voters, who make up nearly 30 per cent of the district’s electorate. Some Democrats had expressed concerns that a victory by Cavanaugh could weaken the district’s 'blue dot' status because it would create an opening in the Nebraska Legislature that Republicans might use to push changes to the state’s unique electoral vote system. That electoral structure has made Nebraska’s 2nd District one of the most politically significant swing districts in the country.

Denise Powell wins Nebraska’s key ‘blue dot’ Democratic primary and advances to a high-stakes House race against Brinker Harding

Denise Powell wins Nebraska’s ‘blue dot’ Democratic primary: Why this battleground district is so important ahead of midterm elections

The White House Counsel’s Office is holding private briefings for political appointees on how to prepare for potential congressional oversight, as officials anticipate possible Democratic gains in the November midterm elections, according to two people familiar with the matter. The roughly 30-minute sessions include a PowerPoint presentation explaining how congressional oversight works and outlining best practices for responding to inquiries, the sources said. Officials have also advised appointees to be cautious about written communications and to respond promptly to congressional requests.&nbsp;“It’s obvious to everyone that it’s very likely,” said one official who attended a briefing, referring to the likelihood of Republicans losing control of at least one chamber. “It was a sober-eyed conversation.” A White House official said the sessions are part of ongoing compliance efforts. “This is nothing new,” the official said. However, those familiar with the briefings said recent sessions have taken on a stronger focus on the midterm elections, reflecting growing concern within the administration.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/secret-service-shoots-armed-man-near-white-house-as-trump-attends-event-inside-suspect-hospitalised-1777933790736">Secret Service shoots armed man near White House as Trump attends event inside; suspect hospitalised</a><h2>White House prepares for possible Democratic win in midterms?</h2>“It’s obvious to everyone that it’s very likely,” said one participant, describing the tone of the discussions as precautionary and serious. Some officials believe the briefings reflect preparations for increased scrutiny, as political tensions rise heading into the elections. President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have faced pressure amid economic challenges and foreign policy developments, including the Iran conflict. A recent Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll shows Democrats holding a five-point advantage in congressional preference.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-top-administration-appointments-made-prior-to-march-26-cancelled-1777926190038/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-top-administration-appointments-made-prior-to-march-26-cancelled-1777926190038/embed</a>&nbsp;The Trump administration has previously faced extensive congressional investigations during his first term, which officials have described as politically motivated. Democrats have renewed impeachment discussions following Trump’s recent remarks regarding Iran. “You've got to win the midterms, because if we don’t win the midterms, they’ll find a reason to impeach me,” Trump said in January. “I’ll get impeached.”

White House Counsel’s Office briefs officials on congressional oversight preparation as midterm election pressure rises and Trump warns of impeachment risk

The White House Counsel’s Office is holding private briefings for political appointees on how to prepare for potential congressional oversight, as officials anticipate possible Democratic gains in the November midterm elections, according to two people familiar with the matter. The roughly 30-minute sessions include a PowerPoint presentation explaining how congressional oversight works and outlining best practices for responding to inquiries, the sources said. Officials have also advised appointees to be cautious about written communications and to respond promptly to congressional requests. “It’s obvious to everyone that it’s very likely,” said one official who attended a briefing, referring to the likelihood of Republicans losing control of at least one chamber. “It was a sober-eyed conversation.” A White House official said the sessions are part of ongoing compliance efforts. “This is nothing new,” the official said. However, those familiar with the briefings said recent sessions have taken on a stronger focus on the midterm elections, reflecting growing concern within the administration. Also Read: Secret Service shoots armed man near White House as Trump attends event inside; suspect hospitalised White House prepares for possible Democratic win in midterms? “It’s obvious to everyone that it’s very likely,” said one participant, describing the tone of the discussions as precautionary and serious. Some officials believe the briefings reflect preparations for increased scrutiny, as political tensions rise heading into the elections. President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have faced pressure amid economic challenges and foreign policy developments, including the Iran conflict. A recent Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll shows Democrats holding a five-point advantage in congressional preference. https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-top-administration-appointments-made-prior-to-march-26-cancelled-1777926190038/embed The Trump administration has previously faced extensive congressional investigations during his first term, which officials have described as politically motivated. Democrats have renewed impeachment discussions following Trump’s recent remarks regarding Iran. “You've got to win the midterms, because if we don’t win the midterms, they’ll find a reason to impeach me,” Trump said in January. “I’ll get impeached.”

According to reports, White House lawyers brief officials on congressional oversight as midterm concerns grow, with Trump warning of possible impeachment if the GOP loses

White House braces for midterm shake-up as Trump team prepares for Congressional oversight battles: Report

Democrats’ chances of regaining control of Congress in the upcoming US midterm elections have surged in prediction markets, raising questions about whether escalating geopolitical tensions with Iran are reshaping the political landscape. Data circulating on social media and political betting platforms shows Democrats now holding roughly an 85% probability of winning the House of Representatives, while their odds of capturing the Senate have climbed to about 47%, the highest level in recent months.<h2>What are the chances of Democrats winning the US Midterm elections?</h2>The shift in market expectations comes as tensions surrounding the ongoing Iran conflict dominate political debate in Washington and global headlines. Analysts say geopolitical crises often influence domestic political sentiment, particularly when national security and foreign policy take center stage. Prediction markets aggregate the views of traders who buy and sell contracts tied to real-world outcomes, effectively pricing in collective expectations about future events. These markets have increasingly been watched by political analysts as a complementary indicator alongside traditional polling and forecasting models.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-oil-is-not-well-g7-countries-japan-weigh-strategic-reserve-release-as-price-hovers-around-100-1773061681105">'Oil' is not well: G7 countries, Japan weigh strategic reserve release as price hovers around $100</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BREAKING: The odds of the Democrats winning the Senate in midterm elections surge to a new high of 47%. Democrats also have a record 85% chance of winning the House of Representatives. Odds have surged since the Iran war began. <a href="https://t.co/D5pJ5ZVCta">pic.twitter.com/D5pJ5ZVCta</a>&mdash; The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/2031003462918435249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

While the reasons behind the shift remain debated, some observers argue that wartime dynamics, public scrutiny of foreign policy decisions, and potential economic spillovers can all influence voter attitudes ahead of major elections.Still, election forecasts remain fluid. Polling data, economic conditions, and developments in the Iran conflict could significantly alter the outlook before voters head to the polls.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-denies-attacks-on-turkiye-cyprus-azerbaijan-focused-on-retaliation-not-talks-1773066568673/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-denies-attacks-on-turkiye-cyprus-azerbaijan-focused-on-retaliation-not-talks-1773066568673/embed</a>&nbsp;For now, however, betting markets suggest growing expectations that Democrats could make significant gains in Congress as the midterm cycle approaches.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Is the Iran war boosting Democrats’ midterm chances? Here's what the prediction markets suggest

Democrats’ chances of regaining control of Congress in the upcoming US midterm elections have surged in prediction markets, raising questions about whether escalating geopolitical tensions with Iran are reshaping the political landscape. Data circulating on social media and political betting platforms shows Democrats now holding roughly an 85% probability of winning the House of Representatives, while their odds of capturing the Senate have climbed to about 47%, the highest level in recent months. What are the chances of Democrats winning the US Midterm elections? The shift in market expectations comes as tensions surrounding the ongoing Iran conflict dominate political debate in Washington and global headlines. Analysts say geopolitical crises often influence domestic political sentiment, particularly when national security and foreign policy take center stage. Prediction markets aggregate the views of traders who buy and sell contracts tied to real-world outcomes, effectively pricing in collective expectations about future events. These markets have increasingly been watched by political analysts as a complementary indicator alongside traditional polling and forecasting models. Also Read: 'Oil' is not well: G7 countries, Japan weigh strategic reserve release as price hovers around $100

Prediction markets show Democrats’ odds rising to 85% for the House and 47% for the Senate as the Iran war reshapes political sentiment ahead of 2026 midterm elections

Donald Trump kicked off a new round of rallies on Tuesday (Jan 27) with a blunt message for voters: “very bad things” will happen if Republicans lose the midterm elections. Speaking at a rally in Iowa, Trump framed the November vote as an existential test for his presidency, urging supporters to deliver him control of both the House and the Senate, even as his own approval ratings remain weak.<h2>'Bad things'</h2>Addressing the crowd in Iowa, the POTUS said, "I'm here because I love Iowa, but I'm here because we're starting the campaign to win the midterms," the president said. "Got to win the midterms."He claimed that “if we lose the midterms, you'll lose so many of the things that we're talking about, so many of the assets that we're talking about, so many of the tax cuts that we're talking about.”“It would lead to very bad things,” warned Trump ominously.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-enemy-ilhan-omar-attacked-during-minneapolis-town-hall-sprayed-with-unknown-liquid-1769563983713">Trump 'enemy' Ilhan Omar attacked during Minneapolis town hall, sprayed with mystery liquid | VIDEO</a><h2>Trump tries to sell the economy</h2>With polls showing growing voter anger over affordability, Trump and his advisers have shifted hard toward economic messaging. In Iowa, the 79-year-old president once again claimed the US had entered a “Golden Age” and insisted prices were falling for most goods. Still, he acknowledged the limits of presidential persuasion.In past elections, “if something happens, the screw turns with the voters,” regardless of how good a president, he said. Polls suggest trouble ahead. A New York Times Siena survey last week put Trump’s approval rating at 40 per cent.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/sometimes-people-need-a-dictator-trump-stuns-davos-after-greenland-rant-1769047692322">Sometimes people 'need a dictator’: Trump stuns Davos with sinister threat after Greenland rant</a><h2>Trump hints at a third presidential term</h2>Trump also returned to a familiar provocation, joking about running for a constitutionally barred third term. “Should we do it a fourth time?” he asked, referring to his false claim that he won the 2020 election. Protesters interrupted the speech at least twice. Trump waved them off as “sickos” and “paid insurrectionists.” &nbsp;

Donald Trump launched his midterm rally tour in Iowa with a warning that “very bad things” will happen if Republicans lose. He also used the platform to once again "joke" about a third presidential term.

Donald Trump kicked off a new round of rallies on Tuesday (Jan 27) with a blunt message for voters: “very bad things” will happen if Republicans lose the midterm elections. Speaking at a rally in Iowa, Trump framed the November vote as an existential test for his presidency, urging supporters to deliver him control of both the House and the Senate, even as his own approval ratings remain weak. 'Bad things' Addressing the crowd in Iowa, the POTUS said, "I'm here because I love Iowa, but I'm here because we're starting the campaign to win the midterms," the president said. "Got to win the midterms." He claimed that “if we lose the midterms, you'll lose so many of the things that we're talking about, so many of the assets that we're talking about, so many of the tax cuts that we're talking about.” “It would lead to very bad things,” warned Trump ominously. Also read | Trump 'enemy' Ilhan Omar attacked during Minneapolis town hall, sprayed with mystery liquid | VIDEO Trump tries to sell the economy With polls showing growing voter anger over affordability, Trump and his advisers have shifted hard toward economic messaging. In Iowa, the 79-year-old president once again claimed the US had entered a “Golden Age” and insisted prices were falling for most goods. Still, he acknowledged the limits of presidential persuasion. In past elections, “if something happens, the screw turns with the voters,” regardless of how good a president, he said. Polls suggest trouble ahead. A New York Times Siena survey last week put Trump’s approval rating at 40 per cent. Also read | Sometimes people 'need a dictator’: Trump stuns Davos with sinister threat after Greenland rant Trump hints at a third presidential term Trump also returned to a familiar provocation, joking about running for a constitutionally barred third term. “Should we do it a fourth time?” he asked, referring to his false claim that he won the 2020 election. Protesters interrupted the speech at least twice. Trump waved them off as “sickos” and “paid insurrectionists.”

Donald Trump launched his midterm rally tour in Iowa with a warning that “very bad things” will happen if Republicans lose. He also used the platform to once again "joke" about a third presidential term.

After ‘dictator’ remark, Trump in Iowa rally warns of ‘very bad things’ if Republicans lose midterms

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Jan 6) mused about cancelling the 2026 midterm elections while addressing a room full of Republican lawmakers. The remarks made on the fifth anniversary of the Jan 6 riots, where Trump's followers stormed the Capitol, quickly drew attention and sparked fears about the POTUS's 'dictator' dreams. Notably, during campaigning for the 2024 US elections, Trump had notoriously stated that once the White House was his, he would "only" be a "dictator" for a day.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/five-years-since-january-6-from-riot-to-redemption-how-donald-trump-rewrote-capitol-hill-siege-1767679914403">January 6 anniversary: Rioters or heroes? How Trump rewrote Capitol Hill siege</a><h2>Trump to cancel US midterm elections?</h2>Trump, during his Tuesday visit to the Kennedy Center for the House Republican retreat, spoke about the looming elections. Complaining about the prospect of running against Democrats again, he floated the idea before pulling back, and half-smiling said, "they should cancel" while repeating claims that "they" always call him a "dictator"."I won't say cancel the election, they should cancel the election because the fake news will say 'he wants the elections cancelled. He's a dictator.' They always call me a dictator," he said with a smile.Once again bashing his predecessors, he added, "nobody's worse than Obama and the people that surrounded Biden".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-trolls-allies-and-rivals-alike-with-donroe-doctrine-cartoon-after-maduro-capture-1767691813384">Trump trolls allies and rivals alike with 'Donroe Doctrine' cartoon after Maduro capture</a>"But even if it's successful, they don’t win. I don't know what it is. There’s something psychological, like you vote against," Trump added before touting his swing states' wins during the 2024 elections. However, he noted that a presidential win often comes with a midterm loss. "They say that when you win the presidency, you lose the midterm," he said, adding that he wished someone could explain "what the hell is going on with the mind of the public because we have the right policy."<h2>Trump worried about getting impeached AGAIN</h2>The speech also carried a warning. Trump reminded lawmakers that Democrats impeached him twice during his first term and said failure in the midterms would invite another attempt."You gotta win the midterms," he said. "Because if we don’t win the midterms, it’s just going to be, I mean, they’ll find a reason to impeach me. I’ll get impeached." &nbsp;

Donald Trump joked about cancelling the 2026 midterms while addressing Republican lawmakers. The comments, made on the fifth anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riots, have sparked revived fears about the POTUS's ‘dictator’ dreams.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Jan 6) mused about cancelling the 2026 midterm elections while addressing a room full of Republican lawmakers. The remarks made on the fifth anniversary of the Jan 6 riots, where Trump's followers stormed the Capitol, quickly drew attention and sparked fears about the POTUS's 'dictator' dreams. Notably, during campaigning for the 2024 US elections, Trump had notoriously stated that once the White House was his, he would "only" be a "dictator" for a day. Also read | January 6 anniversary: Rioters or heroes? How Trump rewrote Capitol Hill siege Trump to cancel US midterm elections? Trump, during his Tuesday visit to the Kennedy Center for the House Republican retreat, spoke about the looming elections. Complaining about the prospect of running against Democrats again, he floated the idea before pulling back, and half-smiling said, "they should cancel" while repeating claims that "they" always call him a "dictator". "I won't say cancel the election, they should cancel the election because the fake news will say 'he wants the elections cancelled. He's a dictator.' They always call me a dictator," he said with a smile. Once again bashing his predecessors, he added, "nobody's worse than Obama and the people that surrounded Biden". Also read | Trump trolls allies and rivals alike with 'Donroe Doctrine' cartoon after Maduro capture "But even if it's successful, they don’t win. I don't know what it is. There’s something psychological, like you vote against," Trump added before touting his swing states' wins during the 2024 elections. However, he noted that a presidential win often comes with a midterm loss. "They say that when you win the presidency, you lose the midterm," he said, adding that he wished someone could explain "what the hell is going on with the mind of the public because we have the right policy." Trump worried about getting impeached AGAIN The speech also carried a warning. Trump reminded lawmakers that Democrats impeached him twice during his first term and said failure in the midterms would invite another attempt. "You gotta win the midterms," he said. "Because if we don’t win the midterms, it’s just going to be, I mean, they’ll find a reason to impeach me. I’ll get impeached."

Donald Trump joked about cancelling the 2026 midterms while addressing Republican lawmakers. The comments, made on the fifth anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riots, have sparked revived fears about the POTUS's ‘dictator’ dreams.

Did 'dictator' Trump just threaten US midterms? POTUS worried about getting impeached AGAIN

U.S. voters are casting early ballots in the midterm elections that will determine control of the House and Senate, now the question is who will run Congress in the United States?

What do U.S. Midterm Elections decide?

US Midterm Elections: The final countdown begins

In less than 24 hours, the voting will start for the midterm elections in the United States. Democrats and Republicans are in their final stretch of campaigning. These polls will decide who will run the Congress. The results will set the tone for the next two years.

US Midterm Elections: Last leg of campaigning underway

In less than 24 hours, the voting will start for the midterm elections in the United States. Democrats and Republicans are in their final stretch of campaigning. These polls will decide who will run the Congress.

US Midterm Elections: Candidates make last push before elections

The upcoming US midterm elections do not have president Joe Biden on the ballot but are significant in deciding which party will control the Congress as well as state legislatures and governor's offices.

US Midterm Elections: What are the key issues for U.S. voters right now?

In a few hours from now, the voting will start for the midterm elections in the United States. Democrats and Republicans are in their final stretch of campaigning. These polls will decide who will run the Congress. The results will set the tone for the next two years. Here's all you need to know about the midterm elections.

Everything you need to know about the US midterm elections

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us midterm-elections

US Supreme Court backs Trump administration's use of SAVE database to check voter citizenship

Trump isn't on the ballot, but his presidency is | The Verdict

Trump 2.0: Dark days ahead for America’s ‘imperial presidency’

US midterm elections 2026: Date, voter registration, deadlines and key details

Bitter Zelensky snubs Trump for playing politics with Ukraine war | Gravitas

GOP midterm convention 2026: What to expect as Trump takes centre stage in Texas

If Dems take the House and Senate, can Trump be impeached? All you need to know

Donald Trump dodges a shutdown. Now comes the bigger test: The midterm elections

Will Trump become a lame-duck prez? Dems' Senate, House majority chances grow

White women losing love for Trump head of 2026 midterms, shows report

21 court losses later, Donald Trump's fight over voter rolls is far from over

Platner ends Maine Senate campaign after assault allegation. It can hurt Dems

Denise Powell wins Nebraska ‘blue dot’ primary: Why Democrats want THIS seat