US midterm voters responded in a thunderous voice. This is just the beginning

Voters in this week's midterm elections delivered a rebuke of President Donald Trump, turning out in places from Texas to Ohio to South Carolina to demand a check on his authority. Guardian US editor Betsy Reed writes that the result gives many Americans a new sense of hope, and that an emboldened Congress is now expected to investigate Trump and press his appointees on their agenda and qualifications, according to The Guardian.

Reed cautions, however, that Trump remains president and keeps sweeping powers. She lists the ability to start wars by choice, raise costs through tariffs, abandon Ukraine to Russia, give technology magnates wide latitude, and turn the justice department toward political aims. Citing his past behavior, she considers it unlikely he will moderate after the losses, and she expects anger and frantic bargaining once Democrats control both chambers.

Reed argues that independent journalism was among the few forces holding him to account while law firms, universities and some corporate outlets gave in. She says press freedom faces pressure from continued crackdowns, concentrated ownership and AI-driven layoffs. The Guardian, which she says has no billionaire owner, aims to raise $2,000,000 by year's end to fund its 2027 coverage.

Summarized by PolitiKool from The Guardian’s reporting. Read the full story at The Guardian →