The new Congress may struggle to push a progressive agenda

After the Democrats’ historic victory in the 2026 midterm elections, Donald Trump will remain president for two more years. Congressional Democrats can seek to constrain him on issues including the Iran war, judicial nominations, ICE detentions and oversight of his financial networks. They will also promote an agenda ahead of 2028, with proposals on social issues, taxes, defence cooperation and aid to Israel, while seeking bipartisan agreement on artificial intelligence. Presidential vetoes and efforts by the Democratic establishment to temper the progressive left’s agenda could make the next Congress less productive.