As the United States approaches the 2026 midterm elections, domestic politics are expected to dominate US President Donald Trump’s agenda. After entering his second term claiming a sweeping mandate, Trump now faces mounting challenges to his party’s hold on power in Washington.
An opinion piece by Foreign Policy (FP) on Friday noted that while Trump won the 2024 popular vote, it was by a narrow margin, 49.81%, leaving his administration without a clear majority mandate. Nevertheless, his first year in office was marked by sweeping, unilateral decisions in areas ranging from immigration and tariffs to military interventions in Venezuela and Iran. According to FP, many of these policies will be scrutinized as the country heads into a contentious election cycle.
With Trump’s approval ratings stalled in the high 30s to low 40s, Republicans risk losing control of the House of Representatives, even as they are expected to retain the Senate. According to the report, public dissatisfaction with Trump’s stances on trade, immigration, and healthcare is growing, and even Republican lawmakers are showing signs of distancing themselves, opposing him on key foreign policy issues and domestic spending decisions.
Trump’s peace plans falter in Gaza and Ukraine
Abroad, Trump is facing significant setbacks on key foreign policy goals, particularly in Gaza and Ukraine.
In the Gaza Strip, implementation of Trump’s 20-point peace plan remains stalled. Since the October 2025 ceasefire in Gaza, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed, and thousands of buildings have been destroyed. International observers question whether a ceasefire truly exists. Phase two of the plan, which involves Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, has not progressed. Hamas rejects disarmament, and the Israeli security minister stated in December that a full withdrawal will never happen.
Meanwhile, violence in the occupied West Bank and aggression against Lebanon continue to complicate Trump’s broader regional agenda. The administration’s ambitions to expand the normalization agreements, including a potential deal with Saudi Arabia, remain on hold amid the lack of progress on Palestinian statehood.
In Ukraine, Trump’s promise to end the war "within 24 hours" of taking office fell flat. A full year into his second term, his 28-point peace proposal has stalled. Russia refuses to stop attacks or accept Western troops on Ukrainian soil, while Kiev remains unwilling to concede territory or end fighting without firm security guarantees.
Trump has yet to broker direct talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The US has imposed sanctions on major Russian oil companies and levied tariffs on nations buying Russian crude, but pressure from US lawmakers and discontent among NATO allies is growing. France and the UK have signaled willingness to take independent steps, including troop deployments and increased defense spending, in response to perceived US inaction.
Trump’s global strategy faces pushback
The mounting criticism from allies reflects deeper concerns about the White House’s long-term strategic focus. Trump’s perceived leniency toward the Kremlin and his unpredictability have weakened US credibility in Europe. At a time when NATO members are being pushed to meet new defense spending benchmarks, there is growing discussion of Europe asserting more autonomy in defense matters.
On the domestic front, the report suggests that Trump may soon face a major legal obstacle. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the legality of tariffs imposed under national emergency provisions. These tariffs, which have brought in hundreds of billions in revenue, were challenged as unconstitutional because they bypass congressional authority.
If the court overturns them, the administration could be forced to issue large refunds, with potential economic and budgetary consequences. The White House has floated alternative strategies, including invoking older trade laws, but most require congressional input or are narrower in scope.
Trump and the 2026 World Cup
The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June to July, presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the Trump administration.
Trump has hailed the tournament as a major success for the US and tied it to the country's 250th anniversary celebrations. However, his administration has politicized the event, threatening to strip games from cities that oppose his agenda.
Logistical and reputational challenges loom large. Human rights groups flagged over 140 concerns during last year’s Club World Cup, held in the US, ranging from immigration enforcement to extreme weather risks. Trump’s hardline immigration policies, such as visa restrictions and social media background checks, could deter fans from countries like Iran, Haiti, the Ivory Coast, and Senegal, whose citizens face entry bans.
The report highlights that while the tournament is meant to showcase international cooperation and hospitality, Trump’s America-first approach could undermine that image and strain relations with global football fans and participating nations.
Source:Websites
