Democrats have gained control of the US House of Representatives from Trump's Republicans in midterm elections that were viewed as a judgment on his presidency so far. This shift in power allows the opposition party to block Trump's domestic plans and increase investigations into his business dealings and potential ties to Russia. However, Trump's authority in setting foreign policy remains strong. House Democrats may advocate for a tougher stance on Saudi Arabia and Russia, but they are unlikely to influence his major priorities such as the trade dispute with China and his approach to Iran. Norbert Roettgen, who leads the foreign affairs committee in the German Bundestag, noted that the president's significant powers in foreign policy are still intact. Peter Trubowitz, director of the United States Centre at the London School of Economics, warns that Trump's potential defeat in the House could lead to increased polarization and aggression, similar to what was seen during his campaign. Trubowitz believes Trump may focus even more on China, Iran, and the Mexican border, as well as invest more time in foreign policy leading up to the 2020 election. Trump's actions during his first two years in office caused concern among traditional US allies, as he withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate accord, criticized allies for trade surpluses and lack of defense spending, and aligned with authoritarian leaders in North Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Russia. Even though few European politicians openly expressed it, there were hopes in Berlin, Paris, and Brussels that American voters would strongly reject Trump's Republicans in the midterms, leading to a change in direction and increasing the chances of a change in government in 2020. Certain European politicians saw the Democratic gains in the House as evidence of a shift. Frans Timmermans, the first vice president of the European Commission, stated that Americans had opted for "hope instead of fear, civility over rudeness, and inclusion over racism." However, the results did not meet the expectations of a significant Democratic victory. Republicans managed to expand their majority in the Senate, a chamber that has traditionally had a significant impact on foreign policy. In various high-profile races for the House, Senate, and governor positions in states like Iowa, Florida, Georgia, and Texas, Republicans who are closely aligned with Trump have emerged victorious. Roettgen views this outcome as a normalization of Trump and a confirmation that his "hostile takeover" of the Republican Party has been successful. Democrats may be able to control Trump's actions on Saudi Arabia, particularly in response to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which has sparked backlash in Congress. Additionally, a focus on Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 election could limit Trump's ability to cooperate with President Vladimir Putin. Furthermore, Democrats in the House may advocate for more sanctions against Moscow, including penalties for European companies involved in the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed doubt about the possibility of improving Russian-American relations in the near future. Trade is an area where presidents can make decisions without congressional approval, and European diplomats and analysts predict that Trump may continue or escalate the conflict with China due to domestic challenges. Trump's domestic troubles may also lead him to confront Europe on trade, such as imposing tariffs on German car imports. However, a visit by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker to the White House in June helped ease tensions for the time being. Last month, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross accused the EU of delaying progress on trade and stated that President Trump's patience has its limits. Jeremy Shapiro, a former State Department official who now serves as research director at the European Council on Foreign Relations, noted that Trump strongly believes the EU, particularly Germany, is exploiting the US. Shapiro anticipates that if Trump faces challenges domestically, he will seek out new conflicts.