Reuters World News Nasdaq correction, midterm pressure, Russell Brand verdict (Updated)
24 snips
Nov 5, 2026 
Don Durfee, Reuters foreign policy editor, examines Republican demands for Trump to rethink his Iran strategy after a midterm rout. Andrew Chung, Reuters Supreme Court correspondent, explores pressure on Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito as Democrats gain control of confirmations. The discussion also touches on oil markets, inflation risks, Tehran’s reaction, and Bob Dylan’s private meeting with Pope Leo.
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Democrats End Trump’s Unified Government
- Democratic control of Congress ends the House’s role as an extension of Trump’s administration.
- Republicans now urge personnel changes, restored discipline, and abandoning tariffs and the Iran war after losing at least 28 House seats.
Trump’s Iran Defeat Creates Strategic Uncertainty
- Trump’s election setback has not clarified whether he will moderate or intensify his Iran policy.
- He says war was unavoidable to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, while signaling that further combat remains possible.
Trump Can Still Act Unilaterally Abroad
- A Democratic Congress can constrain foreign policy through war powers and funding, but the president retains substantial room to act alone.
- Trump has already demonstrated that he will work around congressional controls when pursuing foreign policy.