Trump's Next Move After the Midterms | Victor Davis Hanson Daily Brief
What happens to Donald Trump after the 2026 midterm elections? Win or lose, could the next two years of his presidency look very different from what Washington expects?
In this Election Day edition of The Daily Brief, historian Victor Davis Hanson examines the stakes of the 2026 midterm elections, the battle for control of Congress, and why he believes President Trump could continue pursuing major parts of his agenda even if Republicans lose seats in the House or Senate.
Drawing on historical comparisons with Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden, Hanson explores what happens when presidents lose congressional majorities, why election polling can produce surprises, and whether another impeachment battle could be on the horizon.
Hanson also addresses the debate over Trump fatigue, the media's coverage of inflation and economic growth, and the political challenges facing both parties as Americans head to the polls.
Beyond Washington, Hanson examines growing tensions between Europe and the United States, disagreements over NATO and American military support, ideological divisions between socialist and Islamist political movements, and his concerns about rising antisemitism in American politics.
CHAPTERS
00:00 – The Midterm Elections: Can Republicans Hold Congress?
04:01 – Trump vs. Biden: The Economy and the Midterms
05:57 – Inflation, Affordability, and the Media Narrative
08:37 – What Clinton and Obama Teach Us About Midterm Losses
11:12 – Can Trump Govern Without Congress?
13:09 – Is Trump Fatigue Becoming a Factor?
15:40 – Election Polling and the Battle for the Senate
17:43 – Israel's Elections and Political Divisions
19:14 – Europe, NATO, and America's Military Commitments
23:41 – The Growing Divide Between Socialists and Islamists
28:20 – Victor Davis Hanson on Antisemitism in American Politics
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What happens if Republicans lose the 2026 midterm elections?
Victor Davis Hanson examines how a change in congressional control could affect Trump's legislative agenda, judicial appointments, and ability to govern. He argues that historical precedent suggests presidents can retain substantial influence, particularly over foreign policy, after losing congressional majorities.
Could Donald Trump face another impeachment?
Hanson predicts that a Democratic-controlled House could pursue impeachment proceedings against Trump or members of his administration. He distinguishes the possibility of impeachment from the separate question of conviction in the Senate.
Can Trump continue his agenda without control of Congress?
Hanson draws comparisons with Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, discussing how both presidents continued pursuing executive and foreign policy initiatives despite congressional opposition.
Is Trump fatigue affecting the midterm elections?
Hanson considers whether Trump's constant presence in American political life could influence voters, comparing his visibility with previous presidents and discussing the historical challenges faced by the party holding the White House.
Why does Victor Davis Hanson question the election polls?
Hanson reviews previous polling errors, recent international elections, and the possibility that voter behavior could differ from pre-election survey results.
What does Hanson say about the economy under Trump and Biden?
Hanson compares inflation, gas prices, economic growth, and media coverage across the two administrations, arguing that public perceptions of economic conditions are influenced by how those conditions are presented.
What other issues does Victor Davis Hanson discuss?
The episode covers European security, NATO, Israeli politics, tensions between socialist and Islamist movements, and Hanson's concerns about antisemitism.
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