Tokyo braces for fallout from the U.S. midterms

An American flag billows as U.S. President Donald Trump holds a topping off event in the White House ballroom under construction in Washington on Wednesday. | Doug Mills / The New York Times

Nov 5, 2026

Donald Trump suffered a major political setback in the U.S. midterm elections, with the Republican party losing control of both chambers of Congress. But with two years remaining in Trump’s term, the administration appears determined to avoid becoming a lame duck, likely focusing instead on expanding its use of executive authorities and “flooding the zone” on outstanding issues.

Although the Japan-U.S. alliance remains relatively well-insulated from executive actions based on longstanding bipartisan congressional support, Tokyo will nevertheless be bracing for changes in the post-election White House decision-making. Trump might have been weakened domestically, but he maintains the ability to significantly sway global events.

Five areas of U.S. policy warrant particular attention in Tokyo.

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