U.S. midterm elections to determine future of Trump presidency

The U.S. midterm elections that will determine the destiny of “America First” policy championed by President Donald Trump started at 5 a.m. Tuesday local time in Vermont.

On Monday, President Trump kicked off his last day of campaign in three states including Ohio, Indiana, and Missouri, concentrating all his efforts to rally support for Republicans. Trump fueled a sense of crisis by claiming that Democrats will take a “wrecking ball to our economy and to the future of our country.” Meanwhile, Democrats focused on encouraging their main voter base of women, young generations, and colored races to go to the polls.

The midterm election results are expected to come out at 5 p.m. Wednesday local time in Korea. An easy victory is anticipated for Republicans in the Senate. Eyes are on the House of Representatives, where Democrats are likely to win by a small margin. It is possible that “shy Trump supporters” could emerge as pivotal voters for Republican’s victory. If Democrats win back the House of Representatives in eight years, they are likely to be in conflict with President Trump.

U.S. media outlets reported on Monday that President Trump will remake his Cabinet after the midterm elections. Cabinet officials who are highly likely to be replaced include Attorney General, Homeland Security Secretary, and Interior Secretary. Defense Secretary James Mattis is likely to keep his post as his relationship with President Trump has improved recently due to the issue of sending troops to the border to prevent caravan migrants from entering the country. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and White House press secretary Sarah Sanders Sarah Sanders, who have the full confidence of President Trump, are expected to be offered a higher position. "Administrations make changes, usually, after midterms. And probably we'll be right in that category as well," Trump told reporters on Monday.


Jeong-Hun Park sunshade@donga.com