Democratic victories in both chambers of the United States Congress set up a new scenario for Puerto Rico, where reliance on federal funds raises concern about potential clashes between lawmakers and President Donald Trump. Though Democrats have favored social welfare programs such as Medicaid and SNAP, divided government could complicate negotiations needed to pass measures benefiting the island.
Geopolitics professor Carlos Severino warned the new balance of power could bring a stage of sharp tensions between Congress and the White House, saying the relationship will move to one of 'much contention between the groups’. He noted the Democratic control could help certain proposals but their approval is not guaranteed given political differences with the Trump administration.
Severino said the clashes could also extend to US foreign policy, with Democrats possibly trying to limit some of Trump’s international actions through the War Powers Act, and warned international conflicts carry economic repercussions that show up in fuel, food and housing prices that also hit Puerto Rican consumers. He added tensions with Iran might ease, but considered deep transformations in the international picture unlikely over the next two years.
The midterms reflected voter frustration over high prices, the war in Iran and government corruption: Democrats flipped states Trump had won by double digits, including James Talarico’s Senate win in Texas, Annie Andrews’ defeat of Senator Darline Graham in South Carolina, Abdul El-Sayed’s win over Mike Rogers in Michigan, and Susan Collins’ loss to Troy Jackson in Maine.