The Democratic Party secured a majority in both the House and Senate during the midterm elections, raising questions about potential changes to President Donald Trump's policies in the latter half of his term. Vietnamese experts believe that while the reshuffling of congressional power in the U.S. could impact tariffs and trade negotiations, the fundamental cooperation between the two countries is likely to remain intact.
According to local Vietnamese media outlets Tuoi Tre and Tien Phong, the Democratic Party gained a majority in both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections held on November 3. NBC News reported that the Democrats secured 222 seats in the House, surpassing the majority threshold of 218, while The New York Times noted that the Democrats reached 53 seats in the Senate.
The Democrats also achieved victories in traditionally Republican strongholds. In Texas, Democratic candidate James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton, becoming the first Democratic senator elected in 38 years. In South Carolina, Democratic candidate Annie Andrews won against an incumbent Republican.
President Trump accepted the election results and expressed a willingness to cooperate with the Democrats. In an interview with The New York Times, he stated, "I am fully prepared to accept this outcome," adding that he is likely to find common ground with the Democrats.
Vietnamese Experts: Limited Changes to Tariff Policy, Need for Diversified Cooperation with U.S.
In Vietnam, experts are closely monitoring how the shift in U.S. congressional power may affect trade and diplomatic relations. They suggest that even if the Democrats become the majority party, it will be challenging to change the tariff policies established during the Trump administration in the short term.
Dr. Quach Thi Hue from the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences analyzed during a discussion hosted by Tien Phong on November 1 that political divisions in the U.S. could deepen around federal budgets, debt ceilings, executive investigations, and major policies.
She pointed out that while the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the authority to impose tariffs, significant power is also delegated to the president. Modifying tariff policies requires legislative procedures and Senate approval, as well as overcoming presidential vetoes. Dr. Hue predicted that "the scope for tariff adjustments will be very limited, and tariffs will continue to be used as a bargaining chip in negotiations with trading partners."
However, she noted that if the Democrats expand their influence in Congress, there could be changes in how U.S. foreign policy is pursued. "While the fundamental goals of U.S. foreign policy will remain, the Democrats may adopt a more flexible approach compared to the Republicans," she explained.
Consequently, there are calls for Vietnam to prepare for potential changes in U.S. tariff and trade policies while also expanding areas of cooperation. Dr. Hue emphasized the need to seek new collaboration opportunities in science, technology, and digital transformation, as well as to strengthen exchanges with U.S. lawmakers, the administration, businesses, and local governments.
James Borton, a professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, also analyzed that the midterm election results could impact U.S.-Vietnam relations. In an email interview with Tien Phong, he stated, "The significance of this election for Vietnam is not limited to U.S. domestic politics; the results could influence tariff issues, trade negotiations, Washington's approach to China, and broader security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region."
He emphasized that the relationship between the U.S. and Vietnam enjoys considerable bipartisan support. Given Vietnam's growing strategic and economic role, even if the political landscape in Washington changes, the fundamental direction of the bilateral relationship is unlikely to shift.
Reactions among Vietnamese netizens to the U.S. midterm election results varied. One user expressed hope that changes following the midterm elections would lead to global stability and improved living conditions. Another noted, "The whole world is watching every move of the U.S." Positive responses also emerged, congratulating the Democrats' victory as a good thing for both the U.S. and the world.
Meanwhile, Vietnamese experts view potential policy changes in tariffs and trade negotiations as key variables, rather than the mere shift in congressional power. With the president's tariff authority remaining intact despite the Democrats controlling both chambers, it is crucial for Vietnam to prepare for trade risks while securing various cooperation channels within the U.S.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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