By Sohaib Shams
President Donald Trump plans to abandon major legislative pushes and concentrate on his personal legacy and Washington, D.C. construction projects if Democrats win control of Congress in the midterm elections, according to Republican insiders.
Shift to Legacy and Executive Action
A GOP strategist told The Washington Sun that a Democratic takeover would leave Trump focused solely on his legacy. With legislative avenues blocked, sources expect him to rely heavily on executive authority, including executive orders and presidential pardons. Trump has previously cited precedents set by former President Joe Biden and referenced his own pardons for January 6 defendants.
Partisan Conflict Anticipated
Insiders warn that a Democratic-led House or Senate would likely trigger intense partisan conflict, with demands for investigations and impeachment. Trump allies argue the administration is better prepared to counter congressional inquiries than after the 2018 midterms.
Washington Building Projects
Trump also intends to continue reshaping the capital. Proposed projects include a massive arch designed to dwarf Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, which has drawn criticism for its proximity to Arlington National Cemetery. He has also directed a controversial remodeling of the East Potomac Links golf course, prompting local pushback over tree removal, and overseen a troubled renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool that required draining after its liner peeled.
Trump Acknowledges Historical Odds
Speaking at the reflecting pool on Monday, Trump acknowledged the historical pattern of the president’s party losing midterm elections. He framed the vote as the most important midterm in a lifetime, labeling Democratic candidates as the most extreme in American history. Trump touted economic gains, claiming record-high personal incomes and an all-time low poverty rate, while urging his supporters to turn out in large numbers to defy historical trends.
