Steve Schmidt told The Daily Beast Podcast that Democrats look likely to retake both the House and Senate, but he warned that voters expect them to use that power to check President Trump rather than implement a broad new agenda. Schmidt urged replacing Senate leadership, pausing confirmation of Trump judicial nominees, opening immediate inquiries into the president and key allies, and pursuing broad oversight and legislation to restrain presidential power. He acknowledged that removing the president would be difficult given Republican loyalty but argued decisive congressional action is necessary to restore checks and balances.
Steve Schmidt: Democrats Must Move Fast After Likely Midterm Win To Rein In Trump
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Political strategist Steve Schmidt told The Daily Beast Podcast that Democrats appear poised to retake both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections — and that how they use that power will determine their legacy. Schmidt, a former adviser to George W. Bush who co-founded The Lincoln Project and the Save America Movement and who left the Republican Party in 2020, warned that voters are primarily motivated to check President Donald Trump rather than to endorse a sweeping Democratic agenda.
"What Democrats have to appreciate is they have this tremendous victory that's coming, that's gonna give them control of the Senate and the House," Schmidt said on the podcast, adding, "They have not received this mandate because the American people have confidence in them."
Schmidt urged immediate, decisive action if Democrats win control: overhaul Senate leadership, reassert congressional oversight, halt partisan confirmations, and open targeted inquiries. He argued Republicans in Congress have often deferred to Mr. Trump on issues ranging from trade and military operations to appointments and budget matters, and that a swift reassertion of Congress’ role as a co-equal branch is essential.
President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address during a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber at the Capitol on February 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. / Pool/Getty Images
What Schmidt Recommends
- Change Senate Leadership: Schmidt suggested replacing the current Senate leader to pursue a more assertive oversight agenda.
- Pause Judicial Confirmations: He recommended blocking approval of any Trump judicial nominees for the remaining two years of the term as part of a broader confirmations strategy.
- Open Impeachment Inquiries: Schmidt urged immediate inquiries into President Trump and several of his allies, arguing there is an "urgent moral necessity" in some cases. He named figures he said should be investigated, noting that some are administration allies or media personalities rather than current Cabinet officials (for example, Pete Hegseth, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Howard Lutnick, Jeanine Pirro, and Emil Bove).
- Broad Oversight And Investigations: He called for extensive oversight into administration actions, potential misconduct involving the president’s associates and family members, and any communications between the West Wing and private-sector figures.
- Legislative Restraints: Recognizing the difficulty of removing the president given party loyalties, Schmidt urged passing laws to limit presidential authority and restore checks and balances, even if some bills face vetoes.
Schmidt singled out Pete Hegseth for urgent scrutiny, calling him a "liar" who has politicized the military — comments that reflect Schmidt's view and advocacy rather than formal findings. He also encouraged investigation of several incidents and individuals he cited on the podcast, while acknowledging the political and practical limits imposed by Republican unity.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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