Democrats Claim House Control to Launch Probes of Trump Agenda

Democratic candidates secured control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the midterm elections held in November 2026.

CBS News projects that Democrats will capture enough seats to form a majority in the chamber early next year. This shift effectively halts the legislative agenda of the Trump administration. It also sets up a series of investigations into the president's business ventures and executive actions during his final two years in office.

The change follows four years of a narrow Republican majority. Economic discontent over the cost of living helped drive the flip. Democrats also won control of the Senate, although the exact size of their House majority remains unclear as votes continue to be counted in several districts.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York is now in line to become the first Black speaker of the House. He called the result the beginning of a great American comeback. Jeffries stated that the party understands the need to deliver dramatic change.

The new Congress begins in January, when Democrats will secure subpoena power. They plan to investigate the president and his family's business dealings. Probes are also expected to cover immigration enforcement, the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, presidential pardons, and construction projects in Washington, D.C.

Reps. Robert Garcia of California and Jamie Raskin of Maryland are expected to lead the oversight efforts from the Judiciary and Oversight Committees, respectively. Democrats also hold authority over federal spending, which they may use to pressure the administration for testimony. There is ongoing debate about whether Democrats will attempt a third impeachment of President Trump, though Jeffries has not ruled any action in or out.

Jeffries has outlined immediate priorities focused on affordability. These include reversing Medicaid cuts from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and extending expired Affordable Care Act premium tax credits. The party also aims to end the Iran war and roll back presidential tariffs.

President Trump congratulated the winning candidates and suggested he would use his veto power to force negotiations. He said he expects Democrats to want to work with him to avoid a wave of vetoes. In contrast, outgoing House Speaker Mike Johnson said Republicans would not be deterred by the outcome. He warned that making the next two years about retribution and lawfare would cause all Americans to suffer.