A political science professor says sweeping Democratic victories in the U.S. midterm elections could significantly limit President Donald Trump’s power, with implications for Canada and the ongoing war in Iran.
Cape Breton University professor Tom Urbaniak says Tuesday’s results delivered a clear message from American voters.
“The blue wave happened,” Urbaniak said.
Democrats won control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, taking seats from Republicans in several traditionally conservative states.
The results represent a major shift in Washington, where Republicans previously controlled both chambers of Congress, and give Democrats greater power to challenge Trump’s agenda during the final two years of his presidency.
For Canadians, Urbaniak says one of the most significant implications could be increased pressure to remove American tariffs.
He expects Democrats, along with some Republicans, to push for an end to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
“There will be motions, even Republicans will be supporting these motions, to bring an end to these tariff regimes,” he said.
However, Urbaniak cautions that Canadians should not expect immediate relief.
“It’s still a couple of months before the new senators and the new Congress people are sworn in,” he explained.
That means Trump will continue dealing with the current Republican-controlled Congress until newly elected lawmakers take office in January.
Urbaniak also raised concerns about what the election results could mean for American military action in Iran.
He suggested the president could see the period before the new Congress takes office as an opportunity to pursue more aggressive action, with fewer political obstacles.
“If he’s going to do something shocking, aggressive and belligerent, in Iran, unfortunately, it may come very soon,” Urbaniak said.
His comments reflect concern that the president could act before Democrats gain the congressional authority to provide stronger oversight of his administration.
While the Democratic victories will give the opposition considerably more influence in Washington, Urbaniak says the transition will take time, leaving a period of uncertainty over American trade and foreign policy.
