Merz expects Trump to keep governing around Congress, Canada, the EU and Italy stick to their course towards Washington
The chancellor sees changes above all in the budget, Ottawa sticks to its trade strategy, Brussels insists on the Turnberry agreement, Rome on the alliance.
On the afternoon and evening of 4 November 2026, more governments have commented on the result of the congressional election. The basis is projections according to which the Democrats win the Senate and the House of Representatives. There is no official final result yet. What the statements have in common: they do not expect a rapid change of course in Washington and want to stick to their own line.
Germany: changes in the budget, not immediately. According to the agency dpa at news.de (18:34 CET), Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) said at an SPD economic forum in Berlin that Trump had already governed largely around Congress over the past two years, with “executive orders” as his most important instrument. He would continue to do so. The constitution gives the president a strong position. What will change is budget planning and thus the planning of the armed forces. But that takes time.
Canada: trade strategy remains. According to the agency Canadian Press at CKLW (updated 18:32 CET), Dominic LeBlanc, minister responsible for trade with the US, told journalists in Ottawa that the result changes nothing about the work of the coming two weeks. Canada continues to focus on diversifying its trade. “The American Congress will act in the interests of the American Congress.” How voters interpret the result is a matter for Americans. He intends to keep talking with his US counterparts in the coming days.
EU: the trade agreement counts. According to Euronews (15:48 CET), EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said on Wednesday: “The respect of the Turnberry deal is of paramount importance.” He remains in regular contact with his US counterparts. This refers to the trade agreement between the EU and the US from summer 2025.
Italy: the alliance remains. According to the agency LaPresse (15:15 CET), Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told journalists that Italy respects the will of the American people and the relationship does not change. It is not up to Italy to comment on the result. “Siamo alleati strategici degli Stati Uniti e continueremo ad esserlo” (We are strategic allies of the United States and will remain so).
From French President Macron, Commission President von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Rutte, Canadian Prime Minister Carney, Ukrainian President Zelensky and Brazilian President Lula, there were still no statements on the result as of about 19:30 CET. These are the views of the respective governments. Earlier reactions are under Reports, what the new Congress can do from January is in the timeline.