Midterm elections come to a close in referendum on Trump's presidency

Americans vote Tuesday in midterm elections that amount to a verdict on President Donald Trump's second term, with anger over prices and an unpopular war with Iran weighing on the electorate. The Associated Press reports Republicans expect to lose the U. S. House and are working to keep the Senate, a contest that looked far easier for them earlier in the year. Democrats need a net gain of three House seats or four Senate seats, though many of the best Senate opportunities lie in traditionally Republican states, according to PBS NewsHour.

The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds only 35% of adults approve of Trump's job performance, and most fault him for the cost of gas and groceries. More than 57 million ballots were cast early. Republicans directed 88. 1% of their general-election television advertising to places Trump carried in 2024. Trump urged supporters to behave as though his name were on the ballot, while many party candidates kept their distance. He also keeps making false assertions about voter fraud, and Democrats worry about intimidation.

A Democratic House or Senate could launch investigations and impeachment efforts, possibly aimed at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Elon Musk.

Summarized by PolitiKool from PBS NewsHour’s reporting. Read the full story at PBS NewsHour →