President Donald Trump says he already has a strategy if Democrats capture one or both chambers of Congress on Tuesday.
Trump outlined his approach during an interview with New York Post columnist Miranda Devine for her “Pod Force One” podcast.
“I guess I’ll become Mr. Veto,” Trump said when asked how he would govern with Democrats controlling Capitol Hill.
Trump said he would block Democratic legislation he opposes while attempting to negotiate agreements after an initial period of confrontation.
Reuters reported that Democrats would be unlikely to have enough House votes to override a Trump veto if they win the chamber.
Trump has issued two vetoes during his second term after vetoing 10 measures during his first four years in office.
His strategy would therefore give him considerable leverage over legislation during the final two years of his presidency.
Senior officials have reportedly developed potential executive actions involving immigration, tariffs, housing costs and federal spending that would not require new legislation.
Deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller and budget director Russell Vought have participated in those preparations alongside the White House Counsel’s Office, the New York Post reported.
White House lawyers are examining what Trump can legally accomplish through executive authority and how those actions could withstand challenges in federal court.
That approach could allow Trump to continue pursuing portions of his agenda even with Democrats controlling the legislative branch.
However, Democratic control of Congress would give the party considerably greater power to block legislation, challenge spending priorities and investigate the administration.
Senior House Democrats and committee aides have discussed potential investigations involving Trump, members of his administration and presidential allies.
White House lawyers have consequently been preparing political appointees and agency leaders to respond to possible subpoenas, hearings and congressional document requests.
Trump has repeatedly warned Republicans that losing Congress could also expose him to another impeachment effort.
In January, Trump told Republican lawmakers that Democrats would “find a reason to impeach me” if the GOP lost the midterms.
Trump nevertheless argued that Democratic control would not prevent him from exercising significant presidential authority during his remaining two years.
Reuters similarly noted that Trump would retain broad executive powers involving trade, foreign policy and management of the federal government.
Executive actions would still remain subject to federal court challenges, particularly when opponents argue the president has exceeded statutory or constitutional authority.
Congress would also retain its constitutional powers over appropriations, legislation and oversight, potentially creating repeated confrontations with the White House.
Government funding and the federal debt ceiling could become particularly contentious issues during 2027 under divided government.
Trump suggested that repeated vetoes could eventually force congressional Democrats to negotiate rather than continue sending legislation to the White House that he would reject.
He pointed to divided government during his first administration as evidence that presidents can continue governing without their party controlling Congress.
Democrats controlled the House during Trump’s final two years in his first term, while Republicans retained the Senate.
That arrangement severely limited the ability of either party to enact major legislation without some degree of bipartisan agreement.
Trump could face an even more divided environment if Democrats capture both chambers Tuesday.
The president also acknowledged that opponents would likely describe him as a lame duck if Republicans lose congressional control.
Trump said he would prefer to seek another term if the Constitution permitted it but acknowledged that the 22nd Amendment’s language prevents another presidential campaign.
He emphasized that more than two years would still remain in his presidency after the midterms, leaving substantial time to pursue administration priorities.
For now, Trump is publicly campaigning to preserve Republican congressional control while his administration prepares for the alternative.
