2026 Midterms: Trump's Second Term Under Scrutiny as Congress Control Hangs in the Balance

With the 2026 US midterm elections on the horizon, the control of Congress is a significant point of contention, with the results potentially influencing the trajectory of President Donald Trump’s second term. As Republicans grapple with increasing voter discontent, Trump's performance has become a focal point in the contest for congressional power. President Trump is facing a multitude of challenges, including low approval ratings, the ongoing war in Iran, elevated inflation and petrol prices, economic instability stemming from his tariff strategies, and considerable public opposition to his immigration policies. This article examines how Trump’s second term aligns with his campaign promises. In an interview, Mehdi Hasan engages in a direct discussion with Steve Cortes, a former advisor to the Trump campaign, who advocates for the president’s second-term agenda, particularly his economic and immigration policies, and addresses his rhetoric concerning Islamophobia. The discussion also features insights from Olivia Troye, a former homeland security and counterterrorism adviser to Vice President Mike Pence; Mike Nellis, a Democratic strategist and former senior adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris; and Rob Arlett, former Trump campaign chair and political commentator.