Shift Toward Foreign Policy Amid Domestic Gridlock
Donald Trump is likely to focus more on foreign policy after the U.S. midterm elections, according to Anna Rosenberg, head of geopolitics at Amundi Investment Institute. Rosenberg stated that if the midterms produce a divided government, domestic policy would face gridlock, though the extent of this obstruction would depend on the specific election results.
Rosenberg noted that control of the Senate remained uncertain, describing it as a "tossup" in an interview on Bloomberg Television published Nov. 2. "At this point, let's wait and see how this plays out," she said regarding the Senate race.
Recent diplomatic activity appeared directed toward the elections, including greater attention to Ukraine, progress toward a trade agreement with Canada, and talks with Iran. Diplomacy in the Gulf had intensified, with China also becoming involved, alongside a buildup of troops and military forces.
Skepticism Over Iranian Diplomatic Prospects
Rosenberg expressed skepticism regarding whether renewed diplomatic efforts would produce an agreement with Iran, citing Trump’s repeated accusations that Iran wanted him to lose the midterm elections. She argued that the political incentive for Trump to reach an agreement had weakened because the opportunity to secure a deal before voters went to the polls had passed.
Rosenberg noted that Trump had previously offered Iran concessions in a memorandum of understanding without securing a deal and still needed an outcome he could present as a victory. She identified Iran’s divided leadership as a significant obstacle, stating that different groups within its power structure had different motivations and no single party controlled the decision.
Furthermore, Rosenberg assessed that Iranian leaders feared a domestic uprising more than war because they could blame the United States for a military conflict.
Domestic Backlash and Political Controversies
While foreign policy takes center stage in analysis, domestic political tensions remain high. The Hill reported that President Trump and JD Vance doubled down in backing Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy after his campaign aired a controversial ad starring the mother of opponent Dr. Amy Acton.
Trump described the situation where a candidate’s mother called her daughter a liar as political "gold," while Vance complained that Republicans should "stop whining" about Ramaswamy’s tactics.
Historic Lows in Approval Ratings
The Hill reported that Americans are profoundly dissatisfied with Trump’s performance, citing high gas and grocery prices, the killing of innocent citizens on urban streets, mass deportations, and starting a war with Iran. The outlet stated that Trump’s job approval ratings have fallen to historic lows and that he is building a ballroom and an arch in the White House.
Adding to the criticism, The Hill reported that Barack Obama likened Trump’s gold-littered White House to Saddam Hussein opening a Cheesecake Factory.