US President Donald Trump has said he could become “Mr Veto” if Republicans lose control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections, signalling that he would use his presidential powers to block legislation proposed by Democrats.
Speaking to New York Post columnist Miranda Devine for her podcast Pod Force One, Trump discussed how he would deal with a potentially Democrat-controlled Congress if his party fails to retain its majorities in the November 3 elections.
“I guess I’ll become Mr Veto. They’ll be sending stuff up, you veto it,” Trump said in an interview excerpt released on Sunday. He added that after repeatedly rejecting legislation, both sides could eventually reach an agreement.
“Eventually, after a month or two of getting all vetoed, they come over and make a deal,” Trump said, adding, “I’m not going to let them ruin it.”
The remarks represent a rare acknowledgment by Trump of the possibility that Republicans could lose their congressional majorities. However, the president expressed hope that his party would retain control of both chambers.
Democrats Eye Control Of Congress
The November 3 midterm elections will determine control of the US Congress for the remaining two years of Trump’s presidential term. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and approximately one-third of the Senate seats are being contested.
Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in both chambers, with a 218-214 advantage in the House and a 53-47 majority in the Senate. Democrats need a net gain of four seats in each chamber to take control.
Opinion polls indicate that Democrats are well positioned to win the House, while the Senate contests remain highly competitive.
A Democratic victory could significantly complicate Trump’s legislative agenda. Democrats would gain control of congressional committees, allowing them to launch investigations, issue subpoenas and scrutinise the administration’s policies and decisions.
Trump Could Rely On Presidential Powers
Even if Democrats gain control of Congress, Trump would retain his constitutional authority as president, including the power to veto legislation passed by lawmakers.
A presidential veto can be overturned only if two-thirds of members in both the House and Senate vote to override it, making such a move difficult for a narrowly divided Congress.
The White House has also reportedly been preparing alternative strategies to advance Trump’s priorities through executive actions if Democrats take control of Congress.
These measures could cover immigration, tariffs, housing costs and federal spending, potentially allowing the administration to continue pursuing key policies without relying on new congressional legislation.
However, such executive actions could face legal challenges and judicial scrutiny.
Trump has vetoed 12 bills across his two presidential terms so far, including 10 during his first term and two in his current administration.
With the midterm elections approaching, the outcome could determine how much political and