If your kids have been following the midterm elections, they’ve probably heard that Democrats won control of Congress. But President Donald Trump is still in the White House. So what happens when the president and Congress are controlled by opposing political parties?
The results will affect much more than which bills become law. They’ll influence government spending, presidential appointments, congressional investigations, and how Washington operates over the next two years.
What Happened in the 2026 Midterms?
On November 3, Americans voted for all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, roughly one-third of the Senate, and numerous state and local offices. Democrats won enough seats to take control of both chambers of Congress, ending the Republican majorities that had been in place during the first two years of President Trump’s second term.
Some of the most notable victories came in states that have traditionally favored Republican candidates. In Texas, Kansas, and South Carolina, for example, Democrats won Senate seats that Republicans had held for decades. Democratic gains in House races across the country also secured the party’s majority in that chamber.
The change won’t happen immediately. The current Congress will continue its work until the newly elected members take office in January 2027. Legislation left unfinished at the end of the current Congress generally must be introduced again when the new one begins.
President Trump will remain in office, but he’ll face a Democratic-controlled House and Senate for the remainder of his term. This arrangement is known as divided government, and Americans have experienced it many times throughout the nation’s history.
Why Does Control of Congress Matter?
When the Founders wrote the Constitution in 1787, they didn’t design Congress simply to help the president carry out his agenda. They gave the legislative branch powers of its own, including passing laws, controlling federal spending, and overseeing the executive branch.
The president, meanwhile, received powers that Congress couldn’t simply disregard, including the authority to veto legislation. The federal courts were also given an independent role in the constitutional system.
These divisions form the basis of checks and balances, which prevent too much government power from becoming concentrated in one place.
The 2026 midterms haven’t changed those constitutional powers. They’ve changed who will exercise them in Congress, creating new challenges for President Trump while giving Democratic lawmakers greater influence over federal legislation, spending, and oversight.
Five Ways the Midterm Results Could Change Washington
With the new Congress taking office in January, here are five areas where the election results could make a difference.
- A Tougher Path for New Laws
Democrats will have greater control over which bills advance through Congress. Legislation supported by President Trump, including proposals involving taxes, immigration, or health care, could be delayed, changed, or rejected. Trump can also veto legislation he opposes, and Congress needs a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override that veto. In the Senate, lawmakers can also use a filibuster to prolong debate and delay a vote on legislation. Under current rules, ending that debate generally requires 60 senators to agree.
- More Negotiation Over Government Spending
Congress approves funding for federal agencies and programs, from national defense to national parks. The president can propose a budget, but spending legislation must pass Congress and receive presidential approval or overcome a veto. Disagreements over funding could become especially important as deadlines approach. Without a new funding law or temporary extension, affected government agencies may have to suspend some operations.
- A New Majority for Presidential Appointments
President Trump will continue nominating federal judges, Cabinet members, and other senior officials, but many appointments require Senate confirmation. With Democrats controlling the chamber, some nominees could face greater opposition or difficulty advancing. Judicial appointments are particularly significant because most federal judges serve for life, meaning their decisions can influence the country long after the president who nominated them leaves office.
- New Leadership for Congressional Oversight
Democrats will lead the committees responsible for examining federal agencies and investigating executive-branch actions. Committee leaders can hold hearings, seek documents, and question government officials. That could bring greater scrutiny of the administration’s decisions on spending, immigration enforcement, or other policies. These investigations can also influence public debate and lead to proposals for new legislation.
- The President’s Powers Remain
The election doesn’t automatically reverse existing federal laws or remove Trump’s authority over the executive branch. He’ll retain his veto power, continue overseeing federal agencies, and exercise presidential responsibilities involving foreign affairs and national security. He can also issue executive orders within his legal authority, although those actions remain subject to federal law and judicial review.
Can a Divided Government Still Get Things Done?
President Bill Clinton faced a similar situation after the 1994 midterms, when Republicans won control of both chambers of Congress for the first time in four decades. Clinton, a Democrat, suddenly found himself working with congressional leaders who had very different priorities.
The relationship wasn’t always smooth. Disagreements over federal spending contributed to two government shutdowns in late 1995 and early 1996, as the White House and Republican lawmakers struggled to reach an agreement.
Yet in 1997, those same opposing parties negotiated a bipartisan budget agreement. Congress subsequently passed major budget and tax legislation that Clinton signed into law.
They continued to clash on some issues while finding enough common ground to cooperate on others.
President Trump and the incoming Democratic Congress will face their own disagreements over taxes, immigration, government spending, and other priorities. Some proposals may attract support from both parties, while others could encounter substantial opposition. The Clinton example shows how disagreement and cooperation can exist within the same divided government.
Helping Your Kids Understand What Happens Next
One way to help your children understand the election results is to follow what happens in Washington after the new Congress takes office. Choose an issue they’re already familiar with, perhaps funding for a national park, a federal education program, or a new law being debated in Congress. Who has the authority to approve the proposal? What happens if the president and congressional leaders disagree?
You can also look up the newly elected representatives from your state or district and follow their work over the coming months. A proposed law, a congressional hearing, or a presidential appointment can provide an opportunity to explain how different parts of the government exercise their authority.
And the next time your kids hear that Congress has blocked a bill or the president has vetoed legislation, they’ll have a better understanding of why those things happen and what might come next.
Explore the Three Branches of Government With The Kids Guide
If the midterm results have raised questions about how Washington works, The Kids Guide Government Branches Bundle offers a way for families to explore the responsibilities of the three branches of the federal government.
The bundle includes The Kids Guide to Congress, The Kids Guide to the President of the United States, and The Kids Guide to the Supreme Court. Together, they introduce young readers to how federal laws are made, the powers of the presidency, and how the Supreme Court interprets the Constitution and resolves disputes involving federal law.
Explore The Kids Guide Government Branches Bundle to learn more about the three guides and the history and principles behind America’s system of government.
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