White House Prepares Executive Options if Democrats Win Congress
Advisers to President Donald Trump are drafting ways to keep key policies going without Congress, in case Democrats win control of Congress in the midterm elections.
- Congress
- Senate: Republicans hold 53 seats to 47. House: Republicans hold 218 to 214, and Democrats need to gain four seats to take control
- Areas under review
- Immigration, tariffs, housing costs and federal spending
- Key officials
- Stephen Miller and Russell Vought, working with the White House Counsel’s Office
- Trump’s stated plan
- To use his veto if Republicans lose control, before reaching deals with Democrats
Planned Executive Measures
Federal agencies have submitted proposals and legal assessments for actions that do not need Congress. Possible measures include new tariffs on critical minerals and wind turbines, tighter visa rules for international students and temporary foreign workers, and steps to cut housing and construction costs. The budget office is reviewing which priorities could be funded from money Congress has already approved, and is considering changes to federal grant rules that would give political appointees more say over which programmes receive funds.
What a Democratic Congress Could Do
A Democratic-led Senate could block Trump’s judicial and executive nominees, including a Supreme Court appointment, and refuse to pass his priorities. Trump could veto bills Democrats pass, and overriding a veto would need two-thirds majorities in both chambers, which Democrats are unlikely to have in the House. Courts could also block actions that go beyond the president’s legal powers. The White House plans to seek Justice Department opinions on what it can do without Congress.
Investigations and Emergency Powers
Trump has repeatedly used national emergency declarations to widen his powers without new laws. Congressional investigations would be harder to prevent. Senior House Democrats and committee aides have discussed hearings, subpoenas and document requests to examine whether the president has used his powers to benefit himself, his allies or donors. Aides have been preparing for such investigations for months.
The White House Response
The White House has rejected suggestions that Republicans are likely to lose. Spokeswoman Lauren Bis said the administration would keep working on border security, public order, household finances and delivering results for Americans. Opinion polls favour Democrats to win the House, while the Senate contest is less certain.
This summary is based on a Reuters report dated 4 November 2026. The plans described are reported by unnamed sources and may change before or after the election.
