The White House Prepares for Losing Congress and Ruling with Restricted Powers
Trump and his aides are exploring ways to continue implementing his priorities through executive powers despite Democratic control of Congress.
Translated by Qiyas from النهار — Original source
Washington – Agencies: The White House is preparing for the possibility of Democrats taking control of Congress, through plans that would allow President Donald Trump to continue advancing his priorities using executive powers. Meanwhile, presidential aides are bracing for potential congressional investigations that could scrutinize the administration’s decisions and the correspondence of its officials. See page 13.
A White House official and two informed sources said that senior officials, including Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Budget Director Russell Vought, have been working with the Office of the Legal Counsel since April to identify actions in immigration, trade, housing, and federal spending that can be taken without congressional approval. The team has also examined the legal boundaries of these powers and ways to defend them in court. Federal agencies have provided assessments and legal reviews of measures the administration could implement unilaterally. On spending, the team explored priorities that could be funded with money previously appropriated by Congress.
A source described Trump’s stance on governing through executive powers amid a Democratic majority as “very comfortable.” However, losing the majority would not strip the president of his broad authority over trade, foreign policy, and the management of federal agencies. He has used these powers during his second term to impose tariffs, tighten immigration enforcement, reduce the federal workforce, and pursue military action against Iran without congressional approval. He has also relied on national emergency declarations to expand the scope of his decisions.
In contrast, Democrats can block legislation and spending priorities, and a Democratic majority in the Senate can block the president’s nominees for executive and judicial positions. Trump retains the veto power, which can be overridden only by a two-thirds majority in both chambers. The courts remain capable of halting executive actions that exceed legal authority. However, congressional investigations present a challenge that cannot be circumvented by executive orders. Prominent Democrats have explored using hearings, subpoenas, and document requests to examine whether Trump has used his powers for his own benefit or for the benefit of his allies and donors.
