Can Trump defy history? The big battles shaping US midterms

A referendum on Trump? Why US midterms matter for his presidency The central question in the US midterm elections is whether MAGA supremo Donald Trump can retain control of Congress or whether voters will hand Democrats the opportunity to challenge his agenda during the final two years of his presidency.With Americans heading to the polls on Tuesday, all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 Senate seats are up for grabs. Republicans currently control both chambers, but Trump's falling approval ratings, rising living costs and the war with Iran have given Democrats fresh hope of making gains.According to a BBC report, the elections could determine how much freedom Trump has to push his policies through Congress and how effectively Democrats can challenge his administration.Why midterms matter for TrumpThe midterm elections are traditionally a test of the sitting president's popularity. The party in power often loses seats as voters use the elections to express dissatisfaction with the administration.Trump's approval ratings have added to Republican concerns. According to polling data cited by the BBC, his approval rating began his second term at just over 50% ...