Democrats target Iran spending after midterms
With control of both chambers, lawmakers plan to use budget restrictions and investigations to reshape Washington's approach to Iran and Ukraine.
By Anthony Foster ·
Voters in this week's midterm elections signaled strong dissatisfaction with the Trump administration's foreign policy. A Voter Poll by SSRS found that 63% of respondents said the war in Iran was a wrong decision. Additionally, 74% cited the conflict as a major factor in their voting choice.
The economic impact also weighed heavily on the ballot box. The poll showed 89% of voters considered the economy a major factor. Gas prices rose due to the war in Iran, while tariffs increased costs for American businesses.
Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and staff writer at The Atlantic, outlined three ways the new Democratic majority can influence foreign policy. She noted that allies may regain confidence in American democracy, but policy changes depend on congressional action.
The first area of focus is the war in Iran, which has cost American taxpayers an estimated $47.1 billion as of mid-October. Applebaum expects Democrats to use their control over appropriations to limit federal funds for military operations. "You could see them trying to use the power of the purse, the appropriations committees, to end the war or to influence politics," she said.
Congress can also investigate potential corruption within the administration. Applebaum expects lawmakers to examine financial dealings involving people close to Trump and decisions made by his foreign policy team. She questioned the competence of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the advice Trump received during the conflict. While Congress cannot force the president to change policy without overcoming vetoes, investigations can shape the public narrative.
Support for Ukraine has crossed party lines, and Applebaum expects this coalition to push for legislation requiring the reimposition of sanctions on Russia. Lawmakers will also investigate disruptions to Ukraine's satellite communications. In October, the Pentagon's inspector general declined a bipartisan request to look into slowdowns of Starlink and Starshield services, which Ukrainian officials said hampered drone interceptions. The administration and SpaceX have provided conflicting accounts of responsibility.
The new Congress takes office in two months. Trita Parsi, an Iran expert at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, warned that some supporters of the war may view this window as a final chance to escalate before budget restrictions take effect.
