By Martin Banks

US voters have given their verdict on the Trump administration with a clear cut victory for the Democrats.

Democrats have taken control of Congress in a sweeping blue wave, flipping seats in Texas, South Carolina, Iowa and more.

The outcome of the midterm elections decide if the Republicans or the Democrats will have control of Congress.

Reaction from MEPs was quick with the Renew Europe group congratulating the Democrats on their victory in both the Senate and the House of Representatives in the US midterm elections.

A statement said, “This change of majority in Congress should open a new chapter in relations between the European Union and the United States.”

It went on, “Renew Europe calls for stronger transatlantic ties, built on dialogue and mutual respect. Midterm elections have given Congress the ability to act as a necessary and useful counterweight to the White House. Renew Europe encourages it to do so.”

Valérie Hayer (Renaissance, France), President of the Renew Europe Group, also commented.

“American voters have shown that democracy can overcome scaremongering, division and intimidation. The balance of power is back. People have the power to stop authoritarian overreach and reject leaders who act as if power belongs to them alone. This is a strong message of democratic hope: voters can set limits on power and change the course of their country. Beyond a strong partnership with the US, Europe must continue to build its own independence and strategic autonomy, with the power to act and defend its interests,” she said.

Renew MEP Sophie Wilmès (MR, Belgium), vice-president the European Parliament and of the Delegation for relations with the United States, added, “Americans have spoken.

“This is a radical change in the US Congress and, I hope, it will pave the way for a calmer and more constructive relationship with Europe. They have the levers to do so, even if President Trump keeps his powers and there is room for doubt about his ability to engage in a positive dynamic. Once again, the future of Europeans is decided in Europe. We must continue to strengthen our strategic autonomy, as we are doing, so that we remain in control of our own choices, whatever direction Washington takes.”

MEP Hilde Vautmans (Anders, Belgium), Renew Europe coordinator in the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), emphasised, “American voters have sent Trump a clear message: enough is enough. His trade wars, attacks on longstanding allies and reckless foreign policy have come at a cost. I hope this result will pave the way for a more constructive transatlantic relationship, with Congress acting as a counterweight to the White House. But Europe cannot afford to depend on political shifts in Washington. We must build a stronger European defence and economy, capable of standing on our own feet, regardless of who holds power in the United States.”

MEP Karin Karlsbro (Liberalerna, Suède), said, “The American people have spoken, and Donald Trump has been dealt a crushing blow. His reckless tariffs, threats against Greenland and cosy relationship with Putin have failed to impress American voters. Trump remains in the White House, but his room for manoeuvre has shrunk dramatically. This is good news for the world, important for Europe and a much-needed sign of hope for Ukraine.”

Further comment came from Armida van Rij, a senior research fellow at the Centre for European Reform, a Brussels think tank, who warned: “Trump tends to lash out in foreign policy when he needs a distraction from domestic politics.

“If these midterm elections will go as badly for the Republicans as expected, Europeans should brace themselves. However bad Trump’s instincts may be, the period after the midterms also offers an opportunity for Europeans to start sowing the seeds for broader and deeper transatlantic relations going forward, by working more closely with Congress and through the US states.”

James Green, a researcher at the CER, said: “Trump’s foreign policy may prove more unpredictable and hostile toward Europe following the US midterm elections. At the same time, Tuesday’s elections will kick off candidates’ jostling for the 2028 presidential race.

“The EU and its member-states should deepen relations with the US Congress and at the state level to blunt the impact of harmful policies in the near term and to set themselves up for more constructive relations going forward. The turnover in Congress and in state offices that Tuesday’s elections will bring provides a unique opportunity for Europe to engage with a new generation of lawmakers who are key to securing the future of the transatlantic alliance.”