"Tsunami" The results of the midterm elections are bringing about a shake-up in the U.S. political landscape and a new reality for the second half of Donald Trump’s presidential term, with the Democrats scoring a sweeping victory and the Republicans now being called upon to redefine their stance toward the U.S. President.
Speaking on the Alpha News program, international relations expert Charalambos Chrysostomou assessed that the election result is expected to significantly complicate Trump’s maneuvering, while a rift in his relations with Republicans is already becoming apparent.
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As he explained, party officials—and especially those who may seek the presidential nomination ahead of 2028—have reasons to keep their distance or distance themselves from Trump, in an effort to safeguard their own political prospects.
He noted that Trump, through the MAGA movement, managed to broaden the Republican electoral base; however, the results of the midterm elections create a new reality for the party’s cohesion and its relationship with the U.S. President.
Trump: “Lame Duck” or “Raging Dog”?
Regarding the stance Trump will take during the second half of his term, Charalambos Chrysostomou outlined two possible scenarios, without ruling out the possibility that they might even alternate.
The first is to adopt a more conciliatory approach, seeking cooperation and coordination with the Democrats in order to secure the necessary approvals for bills and other decisions that pass through Congress. In this case, Trump would function as a weakened “lame duck,” as Americans typically refer to a president who has lost some of his political power.
The second scenario has the U.S. President reacting more aggressively, attempting to maintain his image as a strong leader and channel his political anxiety into areas where he believes he can exert pressure—the so-called “mad dog.”
The international relations expert assessed that neither of these two possibilities can be ruled out, given Trump’s unpredictable behavior.
The first test: diplomatic appointments
One of the first indications of the U.S. President’s intentions is expected to come from the pending diplomatic appointments, including that of the new U.S. ambassador to Greece.
As Charalambos Chrysostomou noted, to date, Trump has in several cases chosen individuals from his personal and political circle, rather than drawing on personnel from the diplomatic service and institutional bodies.
As he noted, these are friends, associates, and people he trusts, many of whom also engage in business and financial activities. The question now is whether he will continue this same practice, attempting to make as many appointments as possible before he needs to secure congressional consent, or whether he will opt for a more consensual process.
This development takes on particular significance, as after January the appointment process will require the cooperation and consent of Congress.
Domestic Pressure and International Developments
The international relations expert also raised the possibility that the political pressure Trump will face domestically in the U.S. could lead him to adopt a more aggressive approach in foreign policy.
As a prime example, he cited the U.S. President’s recent statements regarding an impending agreement on Ukraine, without, as he noted, prior consultation with the Ukrainian side and European partners.
He also made special mention of Trump’s contact with the Russian President’s envoy, as well as his wife’s role as a mediator in the talks with the Ukrainian delegation.
Charalambos Chrysostomou expressed reservations as to whether there is in fact an agreement nearing completion or if this is merely a public relations move by the U.S. President, aimed at shifting the public discourse away from the election results and the political challenges he faces.
As he concluded, the coming period will show whether Trump will opt for dialogue and cooperation or whether he will attempt to react forcefully to the new political constraints. His appointments and handling of the Ukraine issue are expected to provide the first critical indications of his intentions.
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