London Mayor Sadiq Khan has joined UK politicians in expressing glee over the Republican Party's significant losses in the US midterm elections, which saw Democrats seize control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The results effectively leave Donald Trump a "lame duck" for his final two years in the White House.
Khan, who has a well-documented feud with Trump, took to social media to voice his satisfaction. "Congratulations to Democrats on a huge victory last night," he posted. "With a focus on hope, unity and supporting families with the cost of living - their campaign was a true rejection of the damaging and divisive politics of Donald Trump."
Several Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs also shared their joy. Health minister James Frith commented that it appeared to be "an enormous night for American democracy and for the Democrats," and a "seismic shift in domestic politics." However, Frith emphasized that this shift would not alter the strong, unwavering relationship between the UK and US governments.
In response to the setbacks, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, "I wasn't on the Ballot and if I was, we would have won IN A LANDSLIDE!" He admitted to Fox News that the results surprised him, stating, "I thought they'd do better, we had tremendous rallies." He also congratulated the Democrats on their hard work.
Despite offering to work with opponents, Trump also shared an image of a red baseball cap with the word "Veto," signaling a potential to block legislation.
The election saw Democrats secure key victories, including in deep red states. In Texas, newcomer James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton. South Carolina elected a Democrat senator for the first time since 1998, and Kansas sent a Democrat to the Senate for the first time since 1932. Further Democratic Senate wins were recorded in Iowa and Ohio.
Jubilant Democrats referred to the outcome as a "blue tsunami." Reports suggest voters judged Trump's perceived failure to address the cost of living crisis. The results could also impact Vice President JD Vance's potential presidential ambitions in 2028. Losing control of Congress means Trump will face increased scrutiny and potential investigations into himself and his allies during his final term.