U.S. subjects Trump's mandate to a plebiscite in the 'midterms'

The midterm elections in the U.S. are seen as a referendum on Donald Trump's presidency, with Democrats aiming to regain control of Congress. Polls suggest a strong possibility for Democrats to reclaim the House and possibly the Senate, capitalizing on Trump's low approval ratings. Trump's campaign has focused on rallying Republican voters, framing the elections as a battle against extreme Democratic candidates. Despite some successes in immigration policy, Trump's administration faces criticism over rising costs and foreign conflicts. Legal challenges regarding election integrity and voting rights have emerged, with Trump questioning the legitimacy of the electoral process. Early voting has seen a significant increase, indicating heightened engagement among voters, particularly Democrats. If successful, Democrats could limit Trump's legislative agenda and appointments, although he has relied heavily on executive orders during his presidency.