US midterms could narrow Trump's room to maneuver in Latin America
The November 3 midterms could limit Trump's influence in the region, including ties with the Dominican Republic.
Key points
- The midterm elections, scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, will determine the balance of power in Congress.
- A Democratic majority could make it harder for Trump to pass new initiatives and increase oversight of his foreign policy.
- Cuba and Venezuela are among the countries affected by U.S. sanctions.
- The Dominican Republic is part of the Shield of the Americas initiative alongside 13 other Latin American countries.
The U.S. Midterm elections, scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, could narrow President Donald Trump's room to maneuver in Latin America. The results will set the balance of power in Congress, which could make it easier or harder for the administration to advance its initiatives and would increase legislative oversight of its foreign policy.
Political scientist and international relations analyst Gabriel Clavijo told EFE that the institutional room to push through reforms would be much smaller if Democrats gain ground. Meanwhile, international relations analyst Mariano de Alba argues, according to EFE, that the outcome will not change who sets policy on Venezuela in Washington, though it could alter the incentives for all actors.
The Trump administration has tightened sanctions on Cuba, including an oil blockade that has worsened blackouts and measures targeting officials, state-owned companies and foreign investors. Adding to this, a state arrest warrant was issued in Florida on October 19 against former Cuban president Raúl Castro. A possible Democratic majority could make new restrictions harder to pass, but it would not automatically lift existing sanctions.
In Venezuela, where Washington maintains a pragmatic relationship with the interim government led by Delcy Rodríguez, Caracas is mainly seeking the lifting of U.S. Sanctions.
The elections could also affect trade relations with Mexico and Brazil, two of the region's major economies, which are facing tensions with Trump. The Dominican Republic, for its part, is part of the Shield of the Americas alongside 13 other Latin American countries, placing it among the allies whose cooperation could be affected by the new political balance in Washington.
Why it matters
A change in Congress could affect sanctions, trade agreements and cooperation with allies such as the Dominican Republic, with implications for the economy and relations with the United States.