US Midterm Elections Global Trust in America Remains Uncertain After Democratic Gains

For Joe Reeve, the optimism surrounding the US midterm elections did not last long. The London-based startup founder initially welcomed the result, which saw Democrats take control of both chambers of Congress after voters delivered a major setback to President Donald Trump’s party.

The outcome raised hopes that Congress could place stronger checks on Trump’s policies. But Reeve said the election had not erased deep international distrust of the United States.

“What everybody’s learned,” said Reeve, 29, whose wife is Ukrainian, “is that America’s system does allow for these wild swings. We all know, now, that America has an ability to rotate on a dime and spit in our faces.”

Interviews conducted by The Associated Press around the world reflected similar caution. Many people said a single election could not restore confidence without evidence of a sustained policy shift.

Kim So-jung, a 49-year-old office worker in South Korea, said people needed to see what the new political balance would deliver before trusting Washington again.

Trump’s second-term election victory, supported by 77 million voters, had already raised concerns abroad. His administration’s approach to tariffs, immigration, Iran and Israel’s actions in Gaza had further strained relations with international partners.

Even after Democrats secured control of both chambers, global leaders questioned how much influence Congress would have over the president.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted that Trump had largely governed without Congress during the previous two years. He questioned whether the election result would change that approach.

Trump’s response to the defeat also raised questions. His focus on government projects before and after the vote offered little indication of a policy shift. Some observers suggested he could distance himself from Congress, while others warned he might pursue an even less predictable foreign policy.

Ian Bremmer, president and founder of Eurasia Group, wrote in Think China that America’s allies were asking not whether the United States had returned, but what direction it would take and for how long.

The election also did not immediately reverse policies that have affected global economies and individuals seeking opportunities in the United States.

Trump’s tariffs have disrupted trade and markets. His administration also cancelled humanitarian aid programmes and introduced stricter immigration measures. These policies have contributed to concerns about America’s international role and its appeal to prospective immigrants.

On Friday, Trump promoted longtime aide Stephen Miller, a key architect of his hard-line immigration policy, to replace Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff.

Jen Gerson, editor of ReadtheLine.ca, said the election did not erase concerns about Trump’s influence over American politics. She described his two-term hold on power as a warning for Canada and other US allies.

For businesses, uncertainty over American policy remains a practical concern. Aditya Surya, a 40-year-old business development manager at Indonesian technology company Synetica, said restoring trust would require consistent respect for democratic institutions, the rule of law and international partners.

He said the election was a positive beginning, but future actions would matter more.

Trade policy is among the biggest tests facing Washington. Democrats have pledged to reverse Trump’s costly tariff measures as part of their first 100 days agenda. However, questions remain over whether Trump would accept or veto any changes.

Australian beef producer Hamish McIntyre said the election alone was unlikely to change the direction of US trade policy. As president of the National Farmers’ Federation, he also highlighted the impact of higher diesel costs linked to the Iran war on Australian farmers.

The Australian government has forecast a 39% decline in large farm profits.

In Switzerland, Ivan Slatkine, president of the Federation of Romandie Enterprises, said the election had demonstrated the resilience of American institutions. However, he cautioned that the “America First” approach was unlikely to disappear soon.

Businesses in China are also watching developments closely. Danny Lau, a Hong Kong businessman whose aluminium-coating factory in Dongguan gets more than 30% of its orders from American clients, said his company faced tariffs of nearly 81%.

He expressed hope that Trump’s reduced political influence might prevent further tariff increases.

Michael Lu, chief executive of Chinese gift-box producer Brothersbox, said he did not expect a major change in Washington’s broader approach towards China. The US accounts for about 20% of his company’s business.

In Japan, Keidanren chairman Yoshinobu Tsutsui said maintaining strong economic and diplomatic relations with the United States remained essential. He also suggested that Trump could emerge more assertive despite the Democrats’ control of Congress.

For some aspiring immigrants, the election result has offered little immediate reassurance.

Ambika, an Indian technology worker in the United States who asked to be identified only by her last name, said she had long hoped to make the country her permanent home. However, recent visa changes and immigration restrictions have made her uncertain about her future.

She said she did not know whether the midterm results would lead to changes that could benefit people seeking to settle in the US.

The elections produced the biggest shift in political power since the 1974 vote following the Watergate scandal. Yet many observers say the result alone cannot resolve concerns about American policy and its international relationships.

UK-based commentator Martin McSweeney raised a similar question in his newsletter, Truth Matters, asking whether the latest opportunity for political change would produce lasting results.

For people and businesses around the world, the central question remains whether the change in Congress will translate into a more predictable approach from Washington.