Trump vows to return after Democrats win both houses of Congress
President Donald Trump said his party would be back "bigger and stronger" after losing both chambers of Congress in the midterms. Democrats are expected to open investigations into his administration.
- Republicans lost both houses of Congress in the midterm elections.
- Trump named Stephen Miller as chief of staff on Friday.
- Trump ordered the Justice Department to examine Democratic impeachment threats.
- Democrats with committee control can summon officials and demand documents.
President Donald Trump has said he will return politically after his Republican Party lost control of both houses of Congress in the US midterm elections. Arab News reported that he described the elections as a significant setback for the country.
According to Gulf News, Trump said: "we will be back, BIGGER AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!" The outlet reported that a bitter showdown with the Democrat-controlled Congress now looms.
On Friday Trump appointed Stephen Miller as his new chief of staff. Democrats have pledged to hold the administration to account and to oppose Miller.
On Saturday Trump said he was ordering the Justice Department to examine Democratic threats to impeach members of his administration. Attorney General Todd Blanche, a former personal lawyer for Trump, vowed to defend Trump and senior officials, and cited impeachment threats against Miller after his appointment.
Blanche said: "If they try to come after Stephen Miller...instead of actually just conducting oversight and leading, of course the Department of Justice will be there to defend him."
Robert Garcia, the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, criticised Blanche. He said: "They can come after us however they want. We're not going to be intimidated."
Democrats who control committees can summon officials, demand documents and hold public hearings. Gulf News listed likely subjects of scrutiny: the Trump family's business and cryptocurrency dealings, government contracts involving Elon Musk, cuts to federal agencies, immigration enforcement and the conduct of the Iran war.
Trump was impeached by the House twice during his first presidency and acquitted by the Senate both times, Gulf News noted.
Background
khabr.pk reported on 5 November that Democrats won both the House and the Senate and would take control in January. On 6 November, citing Anadolu Agency, it reported the party had 253 House seats and 54 Senate seats with its allies, with 25 House races uncalled.
Why it matters
A change in control of Congress can shift US aid, arms and policy toward Pakistan and the region. The Iran war is among the subjects Democrats may examine, and khabr.pk has recorded petrol at Rs346 per litre and diesel at Rs378 per litre on 7 November. Pakistani readers following US policy will see how a divided government handles these issues.
