President Donald Trump and his administration have devised a covert strategy to counter any legislative challenges should Democrats gain control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections. The plan involves identifying executive actions that can be enacted without congressional approval, spanning policy areas such as immigration, federal spending, tariffs, and housing.
Senior White House officials, including Stephen Miller, budget director Russell Vought, and White House Counsel Will Scharf, have been involved in developing this blueprint. Scharf is reportedly examining the limits of presidential authority to pursue actions independently and prepare for potential legal defenses. Three officials speaking anonymously to Reuters confirmed these preparations.
Trump himself has publicly acknowledged this strategy, telling CBS News that he is prepared to act as "Mr. Veto" if Democrats win a majority in either the House or the Senate. He expressed confidence in his ability to block legislation he deems "insane" and indicated a willingness to negotiate after a period of vetoes. Trump reinforced this stance on Truth Social, posting an image of a cap reading "VETO."
The potential shift in power is significant, as the midterm elections will determine whether Trump can continue advancing his policy agenda with Republican congressional support or if Democrats will exert greater influence. Prediction markets suggest a strong likelihood of Democrats taking the House and a substantial chance of winning the Senate, although some Senate races remain too close to call.
This approach mirrors Trump's past use of executive power. During his presidency, he issued 292 executive orders, a high number compared to previous administrations. The administration has already begun receiving proposals from federal agencies for actions that do not require congressional consent. Vought, as director of the Office of Management and Budget, has reportedly been involved in plans to grant political appointees more control over the allocation of taxpayer funds, potentially increasing White House oversight without congressional input.
White House Press Secretary Lauren Bis stated that the administration and "commonsense Republicans will continue to secure our borders, restore law and order, putting more money back into the pockets of hard-working Americans, and deliver wins for the American people."