Trump Vows to Expand Executive Power if Democrats Win Congress

President Donald Trump is preparing for a potential confrontation with a Democratic-controlled Congress, threatening extensive use of presidential vetoes and executive authority if Republicans lose control of either chamber in the 2026 midterm elections. In a November 3 interview with CBS News, Trump said his administration could continue pursuing its priorities despite opposition in Congress.

Republicans entered the elections holding 218 of 435 House seats and 53 of 100 Senate seats. CBS News polling in late October indicated that Republicans faced a significant risk of losing the House, while financial market participants were also monitoring the possibility of Democrats taking control of both chambers.

Trump described his constitutional veto authority as a central instrument for dealing with Democratic lawmakers.

"I have the ultimate power — it's called 'veto,'" Trump said.

He also welcomed being described as Mr. Veto, signaling that legislation supported by Democrats could face presidential resistance.

"We won the Slaughter case and the Slaughter case gives the president tremendous powers that it never had before," Trump said, referring to the Supreme Court's 6-to-3 decision in Trump v. Slaughter.

The ruling allowed Trump to remove Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter. He argued that the decision provides his administration with broader authority over federal agencies, boards and commissions.

"The presidency, our presidency, is considered a strong presidency. You can do a lot," Trump said.

Trump indicated that repeated vetoes could eventually encourage negotiations with Democratic lawmakers.

"Historically, you veto for a couple of months and then they come and say, 'We've got to make a deal,'" Trump said.

Two people familiar with internal White House discussions told CBS News that officials have recently considered additional executive actions. Deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought have played central roles in those discussions, which reportedly cover immigration and trade.

One person close to Trump described the administration's expected approach if Democrats gain congressional control.

"While Democrats may win power," the source said, Trump would "keep the power to do almost everything he wants" concerning trade, border management, federal administration, foreign policy and national security.

The potential political confrontation also carries economic implications. A divided government could restrict major tax and spending legislation, potentially preserving existing personal and corporate income tax rates through January 2029.

However, Yahoo Finance highlighted several potential risks for financial markets, including difficult debt-ceiling negotiations, government shutdowns and disagreements over artificial intelligence regulation. The federal debt ceiling is projected to become a concern during the first half of 2027.

Differences over artificial intelligence could create another legislative dispute. Trump favors limited regulation, while many Democratic lawmakers support tighter restrictions on AI applications and data center expansion.

Despite concerns about Republican losses, Trump remained optimistic about the election campaign and credited his extensive appearances with improving the party's position.

"If you remember, about 30, 40 days ago, people were saying it's going to be a big loss, and now people are talking about, like we could even win it," Trump said.

He described his campaign schedule as an important effort to mobilize Republican voters.

"I think the tour made a big difference. I did 29 days, 33 of these things, and they were all massive rallies, they were big rallies. No one has ever done anything like it.

And I think we got the word out. I think we got the enthusiasm out, too."

Trump also connected his campaign activity to his administration's economic agenda, citing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and trade policies as contributors to growth across several economic sectors.

"I just think that we're doing so well that I didn't want to see anything get in the way of what we've done," Trump said.

He declined to make a definitive prediction about the election outcome.

"We'll have to see," Trump said.

He acknowledged uncertainty while expressing confidence in the Republican Party's prospects.

"Will we win? We have a good chance. But we're not going to be embarrassed."

Beyond the election and congressional relations, Trump discussed renovation projects involving the White House and Washington, D.C. His comments followed a Monday speech near the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, where he discussed improvements to prominent government buildings and public spaces.

Trump defended his renovation work against criticism from former President Barack Obama.

"Obama criticized me," Trump said.

He pointed to the condition of the White House before renovations as justification for the work.

"But we had broken windows by the front door," Trump said.

He also described the previous condition of the property.

"It was such a sad thing to look at."

Trump defended the appearance and maintenance of the presidential residence.

"It's the White House," Trump said.

He explained why he considered the repairs necessary.

"You can't have an area where the stone is cracked and half-falling off the side of the wall. And I fixed it. You know, I'm very good at that."

Trump said the renovation work was personally satisfying.

"I actually enjoy doing it," Trump said.

For 2027, he expects to complete a new White House ballroom and begin construction of a proposed 250-foot arch. The arch project has faced legal challenges.

Trump described the ballroom project as nearing completion.

"I'll be finishing that," Trump said.