Mid-term elections 2018: Trump hails ‘tremendous success’

US President Donald Trump has hailed “tremendous success” in the mid-term elections after a night of good results for his Republican party. The Democrats won the House of Representatives, which will enable them to thwart the president’s agenda. But the Republicans consolidated their grip on the Senate, ensuring he can still make key appointments. President Trump said the outcome “defied history” as the ruling party does not usually gain seats in the mid-terms.

The Republican party lost control of the House as Democrats capitalised on anti-Trump anger and the retirement of a large number of incumbent Republicans. Most importantly the Republicans increased their previous 51-49 Senate majority by two seats, and hold firm control over possible impeachment procedure.