Obama urges Democrats to use midterm wins to check Trump
- Barack Obama says voters backed unity and practical solutions in the US midterms.
- Democrats won the Senate and are projected to take the House, reports say.
- Obama urged the party to use its new power to check Trump's administration.
Barack Obama has spoken out after the Democratic Party's strong showing in the United States midterm elections, saying voters made clear they want leaders who bring people together and offer practical answers to their problems.
The former president made the comment in a statement posted on his official X account on Wednesday, congratulating Democratic candidates who won in different parts of the country.
He said the results showed Americans want a political culture that unites rather than divides, and leaders who offer concrete solutions.
Obama credited candidates who ran in areas once seen as difficult for Democrats, saying they came from different backgrounds and held different views but shared a commitment to public service and to their constituents.
What the results mean
According to PM News, Democrats have secured the Senate and are projected to take the House. If that holds, the party will have more say over legislation, congressional investigations and scrutiny of President Donald Trump's administration.
The outcome could shape the last two years of Trump's presidency, with Democrats expected to challenge several of his policies and use their oversight powers.
PM News reported that the Democratic gains followed concern among voters about the cost of living, inflation, healthcare and the administration's policies.
Trump has congratulated the Democrats but rejected the idea that the results were a rejection of him, saying his administration had done well despite the Republican Party's losses, according to PM News.
Obama also thanked election officials and volunteers from both parties for helping the election run smoothly, describing their work as one of the most essential functions of democracy.
He told Democrats not to stop at celebrating. With the administration still in office for another two years, he said the party's task now is to make changes wherever it has the power, prevent further damage and prepare for the future.
What happens next
Democrats are expected to move quickly to use their new legislative influence, including in spending negotiations and oversight of the administration. How far they can push will depend on the final seat counts and how the two parties work together in Congress.
