Democrats, after winning the Senate and gaining more seats in the House of Representatives, are investigating everything that has happened in the past two years during Donald Trump's presidency. California Representative Robert Garcia, who is likely to be the next chair of the House Oversight Committee, warned on Wednesday morning: "Get a lawyer."
Investigations into Various Issues
The election results could trigger investigations into the war in Iran, the performance of the FBI, and also the business dealings of the Trump family. According to some observers, these developments could lead to increased tensions between Europe and the United States. Wolfgang Ischinger, a veteran German diplomat, warns of the potential for more tensions in transatlantic relations.
Democrats will have more opportunities to challenge Trump through budget allocation processes and oversight hearings. They are likely to start adding stricter conditions to the laws that the White House is requesting. However, the President of the United States has significant powers in foreign policy and national security, and Trump easily utilizes these powers.
Impacts on Europe and Ukraine
Trump is expected to want to show that he is still in charge and active on the international stage. Europe, as a target for Trump and his supporters, will come under more pressure. Nevertheless, most Democrats have supported sending aid to Ukraine, viewing it as a defense of global democracy and U.S. national security interests.
Democrats can create conditions for aid to Ukraine. However, Bronwyn Maddox, director of the Chatham House think tank in the UK, emphasizes that no miracles should be expected for Volodymyr Zelensky. Sending aid to Ukraine may take time.
Ukraine needs immediate assistance, especially Patriot missiles for its air defense, to withstand ongoing Russian bombings throughout the winter. Trump presents himself as a peace president and claims that Biden could make progress in this area. However, he is expected to move towards reducing sanctions and conducting business deals with Russia.
In this context, energy prices in Europe are expected to remain high, creating more problems for the continent. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary warns that without an agreement with Iran, the airline industry will face a real crisis. Currently, oil prices are rapidly declining, but the energy crisis continues to impact Europe’s policies.
Political developments in Washington may be so intense that neither Trump nor the Democrats can focus on other issues, including foreign policy. Kamala Harris, the former Vice President, warned in a podcast that Democrats should not think about impeaching Trump again. At the same time, Rahm Emanuel, the former mayor of Chicago, has urged Democrats to focus on legislative priorities.
