Trump congratulates Democrats on Senate takeover, dismisses referendum on presidency
Democrats seized control of the US Senate in Tuesday's midterms, flipping seven seats for a 53-47 majority. President Trump congratulated them Wednesday—"They did a good job. They've been looking for this for 11 years"—but rejected suggestions it's a referendum on his presidency.
The shift comes amid mounting US voter frustration over petrol prices averaging $4.33-$4.36 per gallon in September, ICE detaining 51,000 people in August alone, and 50 tariff measures since 2025 affecting over half of US imports. Democrats also flipped Texas, electing Senator Talarico and Governor Hinojosa.
For Nigeria, this matters. A Democratic Senate could mean softer trade policies, potential relief on global oil prices that drive our petrol costs, and less aggressive immigration enforcement affecting Nigerians in the US. Primate Ayodele already warned "Trump will introduce Nigeria practice in America"—whatever that means.
With Trump's agenda now blocked legislatively, watch whether he doubles down on executive orders or seeks compromise. Nigeria's oil-dependent economy feels every ripple in US energy and trade policy.
How will a Democratic Senate change the calculations for your business, travel plans, or family members in the US?