In this 'ask ian,' Ian Bremmer takes a look at the issues that drove the "blue wave" in the 2026 US midterms and how Democrats winning control of the House and Senate represents a repudiation of President Donald Trump’s governing record.
Ian argues that Trump’s support has eroded as Americans feel worse about “affordability issues, about the cost that they are paying, about their quality of living.” He points to the Iran war, rising electricity costs and concerns over corruption as contributing factors, while noting that Trump’s campaign promises to help working and middle-class Americans have fallen short of voters’ expectations.
Looking ahead, Ian says the results leave Trump a lame duck for the final two years of his presidency, with Democrats controlling both chambers of Congress. The scale of the losses could also reshape the 2028 presidential race, making a more open Republican primary likely and creating an opportunity for a new generation of younger candidates in both parties.
More For You
After shifting toward other forms of leisure, consumers are putting more money back into hobbies—with older Millennials spending more on hobbies than any other generation. Spending is accelerating across activities like hiking, camping, skiing, scuba diving, arts and crafts, and more. Subscribe to Bank of America Institute for more insights.
Most Popular
We’re breaking down the three main issues that could help decide tomorrow’s elections: the cost of living, Israel, and AI.
Almgren, a former risk analyst and amateur soccer and track star who dedicated himself full time to distance running in 2025, had never run a marathon before Sunday.
Poland is engulfed in a constitutional crisis amid a standoff between Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Karol Nawrocki over the country’s top court.