Midterm Madness: What Will A Split Government/Full Dem Leadership Do With New Power?

We’re living in strange days. Now, Trump is mostly successful but despised, and Democrats are generally failed, but successfully Socialist. Overall, many hate all government, led by a Congress with dismal 14% approval, says Gallup.

And so who deserves leadership? It’s no-good that half the country suffers terminal TDS, but the House of Reps is even more abhorred.

Undoubtedly, the mascot of the House Dems is Ilhan Omar Federal Department of Justice court filings and investigators have referenced her as Ilhan Nur Said Elmi, the anti-American Muslim who married her gay brother, but is probably not an American citizen, anyway--if that counts as a defense! Meanwhile, Alaska Dems wanted to run as many Dan Sullivans as possible.

But the REAL QUESTION: Since we already know what American policy will be like under Trump--WHAT CHANGES WILL A DEM WIN ACHIEVE?

Consider the following suggestions from the centrist styled Brookings Institute, who lists these possible moves by a new Democrat inspired government. If Dems take control of one or both chambers of the 120th Congress…

1. Healthcare

Health care would be high on their agenda. Given the parties’ divergent views on health care, major changes are unlikely while President Trump remains in office. The most consequential health care legislation from the next Congress may be bills that have almost no chance of becoming law. But Dem efforts could still shape future legislation.

2. Iran War

Assume immense pressure to cancel the Iran war, yet easier said than done. Trump’s continued pursuit of war depends on broad claims of inherent constitutional authority. A new majority is unlikely to have the 2/3 support necessary to override a presidential veto to install new legislative restrictions. Cutting off funds is always a political alternative.

3. Antitrust

Expect considerable focus on antitrust. Why? There are claims the White House bent rules with favored lobbyists against leftist opinions. Despised leftist troll/ troglodyte Jamie Raskin already broached antitrust enforcement accusations vis a vis claims of pay-to-play, political favoritism, retaliation, bribery instead of the facts and legal standards.

4. Limitations

A divided government, media portrayed with a lame duck president showing little interest in Congress, and the 2028 presidential election already underway, prospects for major legislative change are slim. The 120th Congress will face several barriers. 1st, lawmakers will need supermajorities to overcome potential Senate filibusters. 2nd, whether in control of one or both chambers, Dems will likely devote majority attention to investigating Trump’s decisions. Without cooperation by the administration, “messaging” oversight will be the name of the game. Finally, both parties will be seeking to advantage themselves for the 2028 race for the White House, distracting from more substantive pursuits.

Overall, consider the following likely AI suggestions….

If Democrats Win the House of Representatives

• Oversight and Investigations: Dems would take control of House committees, granting them subpoena power to investigate President Trump’s administration, cabinet officials, and policies regarding spending and alleged corruption.
• The "Power of the Purse": A Dem House would gain a seat at the table for federal spending negotiations, potentially triggering budget clashes--such as looming government shutdown fights--to force policy concessions.
• Symbolic Legislation: House Dem leadership plans to bring forward priority bills focused on lowering cost of living (such as food/rent & healthcare subsidies) and challenging current tariffs. However, most major legislation would face stiff opposition in the Senate or a presidential veto.
• Impeachment Questions: While some party members and outside pressure may push for impeachment proceedings, top Democratic leaders have remained cautious, weighing the political risks against other priorities.
  
  

If Democrats Win the Senate

• Judicial and Cabinet Confirmations: A Democratic majority would control the chamber's agenda and committee approvals, allowing them to stall or block Trump’s nominees for cabinet positions and lower-court federal judges.
• Supreme Court Vacancies: Democrats could seek to delay or block filling any potential U.S. Supreme Court vacancy until after the 2028 presidential election.
• Legislative Filibuster: Passing major partisan bills through the Senate still requires 60 votes to overcome the filibuster. Without a 60-vote majority, Democrats would be heavily limited, though they could attempt fast-track budget reconciliation measures.
  
  

If Democrats Win Both Chambers (A Sweep)

• Divided Government and Lame-Duck Dynamics: Sweeping both chambers would turn the final two years of Trump’s term into a divided government. While Trump would retain broad executive authority over foreign policy, immigration, and tariffs--along with a presidential veto--his ability to advance major new domestic laws through Congress would stall.
• Overriding Vetoes Unlikely: Democrats are not projected to win a two-thirds supermajority needed to override presidential vetoes, meaning direct legislative standoffs would characterize the end of the term.
  
  

Easiest, is to keep the GOP wholly in power to finish Trump’s agenda and finally root out the evil in Iran’s religious rat’s nest.

Kelly O’Connell is an author and attorney. He was born on the West Coast, raised in Las Vegas, and matriculated from the University of Oregon. After laboring for the Reformed Church in Galway, Ireland, he returned to America and attended law school in Virginia, where he earned a JD and a Master’s degree in Government. He spent a stint working as a researcher and writer of academic articles at a Miami law school, focusing on ancient law and society. He has also been employed as a university Speech & Debate professor. He then returned West and worked as an assistant district attorney. Kelly is now is a private practitioner with a small law practice in New Mexico.