Where Democrats Can Thwart Trump's Foreign Policy

KYIV — From the Iran war to boat strikes to Ukraine, Democrats now have powerful uses. Where Democrats Can Thwart Trump’s Foreign Policy. By John Haltiwanger, a staff writer at Foreign Policy.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries walks with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer before an event with congressional Democrats in Washington on May 21. United States Iran North America John Haltiwanger November 4, 2026, 9:23 AM U.S. President Donald Trump has wielded the powers of the presidency like a sledgehammer during his second term—especially in foreign policy—and frequently bypassed Congress.

From launching the Iran war and ordering strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats near Latin America, to the operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Trump has repeatedly taken major military action without congressional approval. With Republicans controlling Congress in Trump’s second term so far, Democrats have been extremely limited in their capacity to challenge the White House on this and many other fronts. Democrats won majorities in the House and Senate in Tuesday’s midterm elections, with stunning upsets in races nationwide.