After midterm rout, Trump prepares to fight back

President Donald Trump is about to face a new political reality after the Democrats' big win in the US midterm elections. But instead of backing down under pressure from his opponents, he is preparing to fight.

Trump has said he has directed the Justice Department to investigate the Democrats after their lawmakers moved to investigate and impeach members of his administration.

In an interview with CBS last Friday, he said that if the two parties can reach agreement on policy matters, he could stop harassing the Democrats for the next six months. He also mocked many members of the opposition party, calling them 'Dummocrats'.

The news agency CNN reported that after the election, Trump also showed interest in working together with the Democrats on issues such as immigration and economic development. He told reporters the two parties can do a lot together, adding that many of these issues require common sense and practical decisions.

But the US president also warned that he would use his veto power in reaching any deal with the Democrats. Even with a Democratic majority in Congress, he can veto any bill they pass. Overriding that veto would require two-thirds support in Congress.

Meanwhile, Trump is also making changes in the White House after the election. He is set to change his chief of staff for the sixth time across two terms. Stephen Miller, known for his hardline anti-immigration stance, will take over from Susie Wiles.

Trump had also offered UFC chief Dana White the job of White House press secretary. A source said White turned it down. Trump has also expressed confidence in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

On Saturday, Trump said he had directed the Justice Department to examine the Democrats' actions after they threatened to impeach members of his administration. The party's lawmakers have announced investigations into Trump and senior officials of his administration.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the Democrats are threatening many people. Calling it 'illegal bullying', he demanded that those involved be held accountable. He claimed he has committed no impeachable offence, called the activity a 'crime', and said those involved should be sent to jail.

By gaining control of committees in both chambers of Congress, the Democrats will be able to summon government officials, demand documents and hold public hearings. That could put Trump and his administration's officials under investigation.

Possible subjects of investigation include the Trump family's business and cryptocurrency transactions, government contracts involving billionaire Elon Musk, budget cuts at federal agencies, immigration policy and the conduct of the Iran war. Democrats also want to investigate the handling of documents related to the notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

There is also the possibility of a third impeachment effort against Trump. But party leaders have not yet announced a final decision on the matter.

Even after losing the majority in Congress, Trump will still have the chance to implement his policies in the final two years through executive orders and the veto power. But opposition from the Democrats and pressure from within his own party could become major obstacles for him.

Stephen Miller is one of President Donald Trump's most trusted and influential advisers. He has been made the new White House chief of staff. Behind Trump's decision were weeks of backstage lobbying and coordinated efforts by Miller's wife, Katie Miller.