By Basant El-Faramawy
The White House has spent months preparing for a potential Democratic takeover of Congress in the November midterms, developing plans to advance President Donald Trump's agenda through executive action while bracing for congressional investigations, according to administration officials and sources familiar with the strategy.
White House Prepares Executive Actions
Senior aides including Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, Budget Director Russell Vought, and White House Counsel Will Scharf have been working since April to identify executive measures on immigration, tariffs, housing costs, and federal spending that Trump could pursue without legislative approval. Agencies have submitted policy proposals and legal reviews for unilateral steps, and Vought is reviewing which initiatives can proceed using previously appropriated funds.
Trump Embraces 'Mr. Veto' Role
If Republicans lose their majorities, Trump said he expects to issue vetoes for "a month or two" before negotiating with Democratic leaders. "I guess I'll become Mr. Veto," Trump told the New York Post's Pod Force One podcast. Democrats need a net gain of four seats in both the House and Senate to flip narrow Republican majorities; polling favors Democrats in the House while the Senate remains close.
Democratic Majority Challenges
A Democratic-controlled Senate could block Trump's judicial and executive nominees, including potential Supreme Court appointments. However, Trump could veto any Democratic legislation, and Democrats are unlikely to secure the two-thirds House majority needed to override a veto. Courts could still strike down executive actions that exceed statutory authority.
Legal Preparations and Oversight
The White House plans to request formal Justice Department opinions on the limits of Trump's unilateral authority and build defenses against legal challenges. Aides have also prepared for congressional oversight, advising political appointees on responding to subpoenas and document requests, and seeking a Justice Department opinion that could allow Trump to invoke executive privilege over communications with private advisers.
