Prior to the elections, analysts explored how Democrats might interpret a largely Republican win. James Steinberg considered Democrats would taken such an outcome as a reaffirmation of Trump, “in which case they’ll think this wasn’t just a short-term flash in the pan and that most Americans aren’t very interested in anything other than America First."

The Foreign Policy article "Victorious House Democrats Pledge to Probe Trump’s Foreign Policy" ventures that the shift to Democratic control of the House could slow down President Trump's more adventurous foreign policy decisions and shifts in alliances. "Some people will make hay while the sun shines," says Steinberg. "If people have an interest in doing business with Trump, they may want to do it now." 11/7/18