Trump warns of using ‘tremendous’ executive powers if GOP loses control in 2026 midterms

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Tuesday, November 3, warned that he could use what he described as “tremendous” executive powers if Democrats win control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, signalling a potential confrontation with lawmakers over his agenda. 

In an exclusive phone interview with CBS News before polls closed on Tuesday, Trump said that he was prepared to veto Democratic legislation and rely on recent Supreme Court decisions to expand his administration’s authority. The president also expressed confidence in Republican prospects, saying that the party had a “good chance” of avoiding major losses.

Trump vows to become ‘Mr Veto’ if Democrats take control of Congress

When asked about the possibility of a Democratic-controlled Congress next year, Trump pointed to his constitutional authority to reject legislation passed by lawmakers. "I have the ultimate power; it's called 'veto,'" Trump told the outlet, adding that he welcomed the description "Mr Veto" if Democrats secured a majority in the House or Senate.

"Historically, you veto for a couple of months, and then they come and say, 'We've got to make a deal,'" the president said, suggesting that repeated vetoes could eventually push Democrats towards negotiations with the White House.

Trump also argued that recent Supreme Court decisions had strengthened presidential authority, regardless of which party controlled Congress. He specifically cited Trump v Slaughter, a 6-3 ruling earlier this year that allowed him to remove Rebecca Slaughter from the Federal Trade Commission.

"We won the Slaughter case, and the Slaughter case gives the president tremendous powers that it never had before," Trump said.

Trump also indicated that the ruling would form part of the legal foundation for further executive actions across federal agencies, boards and commissions. "The presidency, our presidency, is considered a strong presidency. You can do a lot," Trump said.

Additionally, two people close to the president, who spoke anonymously about private discussions, told the network that the White House had been considering additional executive actions in recent weeks. Deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought were identified as central figures in those discussions, which reportedly include immigration and trade.

One person close to Trump also said that "while Democrats may win power," the president would "keep the power to do almost everything he wants" next year on trade, the border, management of the federal government and foreign policy and national security.

Trump defends midterm campaign efforts, says Republicans have ‘good chance’

Despite polling suggesting Republicans could lose control of the House, Trump remained optimistic about the party's prospects. The president said that his campaign appearances had helped change expectations about the election, pointing to a series of rallies held across the country in the weeks before voting.

"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. "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."

However, when asked whether Republicans would win, he did not make a firm prediction. "We'll have to see," he said, adding, "Will we win? We have a good chance. But we're not going to be embarrassed."