A Democratic majority in the lower chamber for the first time in eight years will restrict President Trump’s ability to steer his program through Congress. Despite losing the House, Mr. Trump offered a brief statement on Twitter, where he called the result a "tremendous success" and “thank you to all”.

(Photo: Getty Images)

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi told cheering supporters at party headquarters in Washington DC that the Democrats’ victory, “is about restoring checks and balances to the Trump administration.” She said that Democrats “have a responsibility to find common ground when we can”, and there’s a need “to bring us together because we’ve all had enough of division.” Mr Trump called Ms. Pelosi on Tuesday night to congratulate her on her party’s success and acknowledge her call for bipartisanship.

Tuesday's vote was seen as a referendum on a polarizing president, even though he is not up for re-election till 2020.