Donald Trump’s enemies are celebrating today. The US president suffered a thumping in the US midterm elections.

Officially, his name wasn’t on the ballot paper. But heavy losses for his Republican Party, and gains for the Democrats, are seen as a verdict on his presidency. And with the Democrats firmly in control of the Senate and House of Representatives, his power has been reduced – in theory, at least.

His opponents in Congress can now block legislation from the White House, perhaps preventing the president from carrying out some of his madder schemes. But America’s political system is complex. Donald Trump can, in turn, veto laws proposed by his Democrat opponents. And he is still able to issue “executive orders”, which allow him to make decisions in his role as president.

 

Mr Trump will push his executive powers to their limit, stretching the US Constitution as far as it will go to ensure he gets his way. And the great danger for the UK is that he will be so angry and determined to prove he is still in charge that his final years in the White House, with presidential elections due in November 2028, could be even more erratic than what we’ve seen so far.

That increases the risk of more wars. Donald Trump likes to present himself as a peacemaker who ends conflict across the globe. But he started a violent conflict with Iran, which he has no idea how to end.

This has pushed up energy prices globally, which not only means higher household fuel bills here in Britain, but has also increased the price of basic items such as food. He also launched a military strike on Venezuela, which turned out successfully from his perspective but may embolden him to try further interventions in South America.

And the president is desperate to end the war between Ukraine and Russia – but appears unable or unwilling to put pressure on Russian president Vladimir Putin. His idea of putting a stop to the fighting involves pressuring Ukraine to surrender, something the UK is desperate to prevent because our Government believes it would only encourage Putin to look for a new target.

In addition, Mr Trump wants to show the American public that his policy of imposing tariffs on imports from countries such as the UK has been a success, and hasn’t just pushed up prices at home. This could mean doubling down on the policy, hitting our exporters further.

Furthermore, he wants to expand US territory, and has suggested Canada and Greenland should join the US.

Mr Trump has managed to obtain a new deal giving the US a bigger role in defending Greenland, though it’s debatable whether this marks a real change from the deal that existed long before he became president. But his sabre-rattling damaged relations between the US and NATO allies – including Canada and Denmark, which owns Greenland.

With the rest of NATO increasingly concerned about the threat from Russia, the last thing the UK wants is for the White House to further undermine the alliance.

Donald Trump is unpredictable at the best of times. We don’t know whether his election humiliation will cause him to calm down, or act up further.

But he’s not one to go down without a fight. And one thing we know from his time in office so far is that Donald Trump’s idea of fighting involves making the rest of the world, not least America’s so-called allies such as the UK, poorer and less safe.

Donald Trump Just Got Thumped – And There Are Now Two Big Problems for the UK

Donald Trump’s political fortunes have suffered a major setback following the November 2026 US midterm elections, with Democrats securing control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The result represents a significant challenge to the president’s remaining political agenda and raises two important questions for Britain: what happens to the special relationship with Washington, and how will the United Kingdom protect its economic and security interests in an increasingly uncertain international environment?

For Prime Minister Andy Burnham, the consequences could be substantial. Britain depends heavily on its relationship with the United States, particularly in defence, intelligence, trade and international diplomacy. However, a weakened Trump does not necessarily mean a more predictable American president.

Indeed, the immediate concern in London is that the election defeat could make the White House more confrontational abroad, even as its domestic political freedom becomes increasingly restricted.

The election results have therefore created a complicated situation for the British Government. There may be opportunities to improve international cooperation, but there are also serious risks that could affect Britain’s economy and national security.

Trump’s Midterm Defeat Changes Washington

The November 3 elections delivered a significant victory for the Democrats, who regained control of both chambers of Congress.

The outcome means Trump will face a much more difficult political environment during the final two years of his presidency.

Democrats will have greater powers to investigate the administration, scrutinise government spending, challenge presidential appointments and block legislation.

Republican politicians have also begun questioning whether the president needs to change his approach following the defeat.

According to Reuters, Republican strategists and political figures have called for changes to White House personnel and a reassessment of policies that contributed to the election losses.

The war with Iran, rising living costs and controversial economic policies have all become subjects of internal Republican criticism.

Trump, however, has shown little indication that he intends to abandon his political priorities.

This creates an important distinction: losing control of Congress weakens a president’s ability to pass legislation, but it does not remove the considerable powers attached to the presidency.

For Britain, that distinction matters enormously.

As the Guardian reported on November 7, British officials believe the election could create opportunities for diplomatic progress, particularly concerning the conflict in the Middle East. However, they also recognise that Trump retains considerable freedom over foreign policy.

Problem One: Britain’s Special Relationship Could Become More Unpredictable

The first major problem for Britain concerns its relationship with Washington.

For decades, the United States has been one of Britain’s most important international partners. Cooperation covers military operations, intelligence sharing, nuclear defence, NATO and international security.

However, Trump’s political difficulties could complicate this relationship.

A president facing increasing domestic opposition may become more determined to demonstrate strength internationally. Alternatively, he could become more interested in securing political achievements overseas to strengthen his legacy.

European diplomats have expressed concern that a weakened Trump could become less predictable rather than less influential.

Euronews reported on November 4 that European officials were worried about the possibility of increased instability over Ukraine, Iran, NATO and international trade.

For Burnham, the challenge is to maintain constructive relations with Washington without allowing British foreign policy to become dependent on the decisions of one increasingly controversial American administration.

Britain must also prepare for the possibility that American priorities could change rapidly.

A Democratic-controlled Congress may oppose some of Trump’s domestic policies, but it cannot automatically prevent the president from making important foreign policy decisions.

This means British diplomats will need to maintain relationships across the American political system rather than relying exclusively on the White House.

Problem Two: Britain’s Economy Could Face Another Major Shock

The second major problem concerns the economic consequences of Trump’s policies.

Britain is already dealing with pressure from rising energy costs, international instability and uncertainty surrounding global trade.

The conflict involving Iran has created particular difficulties. Disruption to energy supplies and shipping routes has contributed to higher fuel prices, increasing pressure on businesses and households.

According to the Guardian’s analysis of the election results, the economic consequences of the conflict have been one of the principal concerns for Burnham’s government.

The Prime Minister has argued that resolving the conflict is essential to reducing the cost-of-living pressures facing British families.

However, the election result does not automatically guarantee a change in American foreign policy.

Although Democrats now control Congress, Trump retains significant authority over military and diplomatic decisions.

There is also the question of American tariffs.

Trump’s trade policies have created uncertainty for international businesses, including British exporters. If the president responds to his election defeat by adopting a more aggressive economic approach, Britain could face additional difficulties.

The UK cannot afford to ignore developments in Washington because the American economy remains an important market for British manufacturers, financial institutions and service providers.

Burnham will therefore need to protect Britain’s trading interests while maintaining diplomatic relations with the White House.

Ukraine Could Become a Critical Test

Another important issue is the future of American support for Ukraine.

The Democratic victory could create opportunities for politicians who want Washington to maintain military and financial assistance to Kyiv.

Democrats have traditionally included substantial support for Ukraine within their foreign policy priorities, although there are differences within the party over the scale and conditions of American assistance.

David Miliband, the former British Foreign Secretary, has suggested that a bipartisan congressional majority supporting Ukraine could become more influential following the election.

For Britain, this development could be significant.

The UK has played an important role in supporting Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Continued cooperation with the United States remains important for European security.

However, Trump retains control over the executive branch and therefore considerable influence over negotiations with Moscow.

A Democratic-controlled Congress may be able to increase pressure on the administration, but it cannot guarantee that American policy towards Ukraine will change.

Burnham must consequently prepare for different possibilities, including renewed American support for Kyiv and further disagreements between Washington and European allies.

NATO Faces Another Difficult Period

Britain’s security relationship with the United States also raises questions about the future of NATO.

Trump has repeatedly questioned the financial contributions and military commitments of European allies.

Although the Democratic election victory may provide some additional political constraints on his administration, it does not eliminate the possibility of further American pressure on European countries.

The United States remains NATO’s most powerful military member, and any reduction in its European military presence could have serious implications.

British defence planners therefore face an important challenge.

The UK must continue strengthening its own military capabilities while working with European allies to ensure that NATO remains effective.

The election result should not encourage Britain to assume that American security commitments will automatically remain unchanged.

Instead, it highlights the importance of developing stronger European defence cooperation.

Burnham Must Avoid Putting All Britain’s Eggs in One Basket

The changing political situation in Washington also creates an opportunity for Britain to reconsider its wider international strategy.

For years, successive British governments have placed considerable importance on maintaining a close relationship with the United States.

That relationship remains valuable, but Britain’s interests extend beyond Washington.

Closer cooperation with European countries could help strengthen trade, defence, energy security and diplomatic influence.

Burnham has already expressed interest in improving Britain’s relationship with the European Union.

However, the government must avoid treating closer European cooperation as a replacement for the transatlantic alliance.

Britain needs both relationships.

The challenge is to develop an independent foreign policy that protects national interests regardless of who occupies the White House or controls Congress.

This requires maintaining diplomatic channels with Republicans and Democrats, strengthening European partnerships and investing in Britain’s own defence capabilities.

Conclusion: Trump’s Defeat Does Not Mean Britain’s Problems Are Over

Donald Trump’s defeat in the November 2026 midterm elections has fundamentally changed the political environment in Washington.

Democrats now control both chambers of Congress, giving them greater opportunities to investigate the administration, challenge legislation and influence the direction of American politics.

For Andy Burnham, however, the consequences are complicated.

The first problem is the possibility of a more unpredictable American foreign policy, particularly concerning NATO, Ukraine and the Middle East.

The second is the economic uncertainty created by Trump’s trade policies and the international consequences of the Iran conflict.

There are potential opportunities too. A Democratic-controlled Congress could increase pressure for diplomatic solutions, greater support for Ukraine and more predictable international economic policies.

But Britain should not assume that Trump’s political setback will automatically produce a change in American behaviour.

The president retains substantial executive powers, particularly in foreign affairs, and his administration will continue to shape decisions affecting Britain’s national interests.

Ultimately, Burnham must recognise that Britain’s relationship with America needs careful management during this period of political uncertainty.

The special relationship remains important, but Britain cannot afford to depend entirely on the decisions of an increasingly unpredictable Washington.

The coming months will test the Prime Minister’s ability to balance diplomacy, economic stability and national security while protecting Britain’s position on the international stage.