On October 28, 2026, former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton cautioned that President Donald Trump could become ‘even more unhinged and sadly more dangerous’ following potential Republican midterm losses. Speaking on ‘High Stakes with HRC’ with journalist Kara Swisher ahead of the November 3 elections, Ms. Clinton predicted that Mr. Trump might attribute any defeat to ‘everybody else’s fault’ and pursue risky foreign policy actions, particularly concerning Iran.
Ms. Clinton further suggested that a political setback might encourage President Trump to take greater risks rather than altering his approach. She reiterated this argument in an X post on October 29, anticipating that Mr. Trump would ‘double down on risk’ in such a scenario. The former secretary of state’s comments were made as predictions regarding an election yet to occur.
Beyond foreign policy, Ms. Clinton also foresaw President Trump demanding increased loyalty from Republicans if voters rejected the party’s candidates. She speculated that some lawmakers might become less willing to follow him, especially if Democrats gained control of Congress. She identified President Trump as vulnerable on issues like immigration, the economy, and foreign policy, a political assessment shared during her podcast appearance.
Potential Foreign Policy Shifts and Domestic Scrutiny
The most significant consequence Ms. Clinton envisioned was renewed American military action against Iran, which she warned could imperil US service personnel and civilians, potentially extending beyond the Middle East. Her warning emerged as Washington was already evaluating its subsequent steps in the ongoing conflict. Ms. Clinton referenced the ‘domain of loss,’ a concept from risk-taking research, to argue that electoral defeat could lead President Trump to become more aggressive. This argument did not constitute a diagnosis or confirmation of any decision by the president to undertake military action.
On October 8, President Trump stated that the US was engaged in ‘productive discussions’ with Tehran and pledged that American forces would not attack Iran before the November 3 elections, leaving open the possibility of action afterward. However, on October 29, the Associated Press reported that US officials had advised regional allies to prepare for potential renewed strikes post-polling day, though two diplomats briefed on these discussions indicated no final decision had been reached. In a separate interview on October 30 with Kansas City radio station KCMO, President Trump expressed confidence that the Iran war would be ‘wrapped up soon’ and emphasized the need for a guarantee that Tehran would never develop a nuclear weapon, without providing a timeline or detailed plan.
Domestically, Ms. Clinton anticipated a Democratic Congress, if victorious, would act as a check on the administration through legislation and investigations. She mentioned President Trump’s family, supporters, and allies as potential subjects of scrutiny, clarifying that she did not allege specific wrongdoing during her remarks. The balance of power will be determined by voters on November 3, and any congressional inquiries or legislation would be subject to standard political and constitutional processes.
Navigating Global Uncertainty and Democratic Challenges
The European Policy Centre (EPC) underscores that regardless of the US midterm election outcome, Donald Trump will persist as a profound source of international uncertainty. Even if Republicans lose both houses of Congress, predicting his next actions remains challenging. The EPC suggests that while electoral defeat might impose constraints, it could also make him more unpredictable, with continued aggression and disruption expected on the global stage. Economic realities, however, might limit further confrontations.
For an international audience, these predictions highlight potential shifts in global stability and policy. Europe, in particular, is advised by the EPC to prepare for sustained volatility, coercion, and threats to democratic norms. This includes planning for possible accommodations with other global powers, such as Russia, which could build upon existing diplomatic arrangements like the diesel deal. The EPC also notes that the global illiberal movement’s ideological drivers are preparing for an era beyond President Trump’s presidency, seeking to entrench their influence.
The EPC further warns that economic recovery in the US is improbable, anticipating instead more debt-financed efforts to secure political support. They suggest a ‘lame duck’ president unwilling to concede defeat might deny election results and potentially plan further challenges to American democracy. Despite these concerns, the EPC maintains that preparation should not lead to fatalism, asserting that democratic agency remains robust, and urging Europe to celebrate democratic victories while accelerating renewal and strengthening its capacity to act.
The upcoming November 3 elections will be pivotal in determining the future course of US domestic and foreign policy. Observers will closely monitor the election results for insights into the potential for a Democratic Congress to pursue legislative and investigative actions as predicted by Hillary Clinton. Furthermore, the international community will keenly watch developments in US foreign policy, particularly regarding Iran, and the broader implications for global stability and democratic principles.
Image: TVP World
Sources consulted
- TVP World: Will a Republican loss make Trump more unpredictable?
- International Business Times UK: Hillary Clinton Warns Donald Trump Will Become ‘More Unhinged’ and Blame Others if Republicans Lose
- EPC, European Policy Centre: Uncertainty is Trump
Adrian Velk is a global affairs journalist focused on breaking news, geopolitics, and societal trends. With a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy, he delivers timely reporting that helps readers understand the fast-moving world around them. His work blends factual depth with clear storytelling, making complex events accessible to a broad audience.
