Midterms test Trump’s power, not his presidency
SCMP · 2 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Tuesday’s US midterm election is being treated as a major political test for President Donald Trump, but analysts say its practical limits are also clear because he is not on the ballot and would still keep the power to veto legislation that challenges his agenda if Republicans lose control of Congress. A strong Democratic showing could nevertheless bring more hearings and scrutiny over what one former US official described as some of the most unconventional and disruptive policies in modern American history. In his final major speech before voting, Trump largely brushed aside the electoral threat and instead spoke for 54 minutes about renovation and beautification projects around Washington, including the White House grounds and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The result could shape not only Trump’s political temperament and response, but also the tone of congressional debate on China, tariffs, Iran and Taiwan in the period ahead
Key Points
- Jeffrey Moon said the midterms are less consequential than many think because Trump would still retain veto power over legislation challenging his agenda
- Moon said Congress would not be able to simply reverse the Iran war or tariff policy, but hearings could expose damaging details
- SCMP reported Trump has recently taken a less hawkish line on Beijing, including a trade truce, eased fentanyl tariffs and weaker chip controls
- Jeremy Chan of Eurasia Group said Beijing has welcomed that shift and would prefer Trump to remain in office longer
- In a 54-minute speech on Monday, Trump discussed pipes, paint, sod, a helipad, an arch and the reopened Reflecting Pool
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the election matters less because it can immediately rewrite US policy and more because it may change how aggressively Congress pressures the White House on China-related issues. If lawmakers become less constrained by Trump, rhetoric and legislation on Beijing could intensify even as Trump himself has recently softened on several China files. That combination could create a less predictable US policy environment for markets and diplomacy in the region.