Last night’s blue wave led Democrats to win control of both the House and the Senate. By giving Democrats the mantle of power, many voters want them to simply undo Trump’s policies: the Iran war, tariffs, and the economy. But what can Democrats actually accomplish with their newfound contr ol of Congress? Newly re-elected House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) speaks at a news conference after House Democrats’ Leadership Elections on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) Veto Power When the new Congress convenes in January, Democrats will face the task of passing legislation that could block or roll back some of the extreme policies of the Trump administration. However, even if a bill passes both chambers, the president can veto it, preventing it from becoming law unless Congress secures enough votes to override the veto. Trump has already signaled that he intends to use that power. To override a presidential veto, Congress needs a two-thirds majority in both chambers, a threshold Democrats do not have. While that limits their ability to enact legislation over Trump’s objections, it does not prevent them from conducting congressional oversight or launching investigations into the administration. Trump Makes a Disturbing Remark on Fox as Host Barely Flinches, Hours Later an Election Rout Forces an Awkward Admission ‘Not Going to Let Them Through’: Trump Readies His Revenge for a Democratic House, Setting Up a Brutal Showdown with the Black Leader He Called ‘Low IQ’ The Iran War Since Trump launched the Iran War in February, legal experts have said his actions were illegal because he did not receive congressional approval first. Congress could respond by holding hearings, investigating the administration, and using its spending authority to restrict or condition further funding for the war. Congress may also debate measures under the War Powers Resolution of 1973. The law was enacted in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. At the time, lawmakers were increasingly concerned about presidents committing U.S. troops to military conflicts without congressional approval. President Richard Nixon vetoed the legislation, but Congress overrode his veto, allowing it to become law. Although the law establishes limits on the president’s ability to conduct prolonged military operations without congressional authorization, enforcing those limits has proved difficult. As commander in chief, the president retains significant authority over military operations, making it difficult for lawmakers to immediately halt military action through a resolution alone. Tariffs The high cost of living was a major concern for voters heading into the midterm elections, and the Trump administration’s tariffs have been a huge reason for this. Importers challenged the tariffs in federal court from the outset, culminating in a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down the administration’s use of emergency powers to impose them. Following the high court’s decision, the administration pivoted to Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the president to impose temporary tariffs for up to 150 days without congressional approval. Democrats could seek to roll back the administration’s remaining tariffs through legislation, but getting such measures enacted would be difficult because of Trump’s veto power. What to Expect in January The new Congress will be sworn in in January, but even then, any new legislation will take time to pass and take effect. This is especially important as several provisions of Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill are also scheduled to take effect around the same time. Democrats have a big job ahead of them, with several potential roadblocks standing in their way. Still, the nation will be watching to see what they do with the public’s newfound trust. The Blue Wave Has a Catch: What Democrats Can — and Can’t — Do to Stop Trump ...read more read less