White House plans to lean on executive power if Republicans lose the midterms

Control of both chambers of the US Congress could pass to the Democrats — at least that is what opinion polls are suggesting. Even in that situation, Republican President Donald Trump wants to push ahead with his agenda, and the White House is drawing up plans to use executive power to do so. Preparations are also under way to face possible congressional investigations against Trump.

A White House official and two people familiar with the planning gave this information to the Reuters news agency, speaking on condition of anonymity. The preparations have been going on since last April.

The US congressional midterm elections take place tomorrow, Tuesday. All 435 seats in the lower chamber, the House of Representatives, and one-third of the Senate — 35 seats — will be contested. Various polls suggest a Democratic victory in the House, while a close fight is expected between the two parties in the Senate.

Republicans currently hold 218 seats in the House and the Democrats 214. In the Senate the two parties hold 53 and 47 seats respectively. To take control of both chambers, the Democrats must hold their own seats and win four more in the House and four more in the Senate. Most polls forecast that this may be possible for the Democrats.

The White House, however, has dismissed fears of a Republican defeat as a false media narrative. It has also said it will continue its work on border security and increasing people's financial relief.

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and budget director Russell Vought are closely involved in the preparations. Together with lawyers, they are examining what steps Trump could take without any new law. Trump has been informed of the preparations and has himself taken part in the discussions.

Possible steps include new tariffs on imports of critical minerals and wind-power turbines. Visa conditions for foreign students and temporary workers could be made stricter. Steps to reduce housing and construction costs are also under consideration.

Budget director Russell Vought is examining what new initiatives can be taken using funds Congress has already appropriated. He also wants to change the rules for awarding government grants, which could increase the influence of political appointees in deciding which projects receive money.

In his second term, Trump has used executive power for imposing tariffs, immigration raids, job cuts in federal agencies and the war against Iran. However, he took Congress's approval to implement a major tax and spending cut package.

According to Nathan Gonzales, editor of the nonpartisan analysis outlet Inside Elections, over the past two years Trump has essentially bypassed Congress, doing as much as possible through executive power. If Democrats win a majority in Congress, this trend could continue.

Trump has said that if Republicans lose Congress, he may issue vetoes for the first month or two, after which a compromise might come. On a New York Post podcast, Trump said, 'I think I'll become Mr Veto.' A veto is the president's power to return a bill without approving it; overriding it requires a two-thirds vote in both chambers of Congress, and the Democrats are unlikely to achieve that strength.

However, if Democrats win a majority in Congress, Trump may have to face congressional investigations. Senior House Democrats have already begun discussing investigations into whether Trump used executive power to benefit himself, his allies or his campaign donors. Democrats would be able to hold hearings, demand documents and issue subpoenas. White House lawyers are advising officials on how to face such a situation and telling them to be careful in written statements.

With a congressional majority, Democrats would be able to block Trump-backed laws. If they take control of the Senate, they could also block Trump's nominees for judgeships and senior administration posts, including appointments to the Supreme Court. Andrew Bush, a professor of public policy at the University of Tennessee, said, 'My sense is they will be very reluctant to approve any of the president's nominees.'