1. Legislative: Trump to become "Mr. Veto," increasing his negotiating leverage.
In a pre-election interview, Trump stated that if the Democrats control Congress, he might have to become "Mr. Veto." He indicated he would veto bills submitted by the Democrats "for one or two months" until they realize they are "wasting time" and compromise.
2. Executive: Planning to "bypass Congress," pre-assessing unilateral executive actions.
Sources revealed that since April, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Miller and Budget Director Vought have been working with the White House Counsel's Office to determine the executive actions Trump could take on immigration, tariffs, housing costs, and federal spending without congressional approval.
3. Budget: Planning to expand the influence of funding implementation; federal appropriations rules may be a breakthrough.
Sources say that Vought, who oversees federal spending, is reviewing which priority projects can utilize previously allocated congressional funds. He also hopes to amend federal appropriations rules to give politically appointed officials greater say in deciding which government projects qualify for funding, potentially allowing the White House greater influence over federal spending without congressional approval.
4. Legal Defense: Preemptive Measures to Address Congressional Investigations; Executive Privilege May Be a Key Tool
Sources say White House lawyers have been briefing politically appointed officials and agency heads on how to respond to congressional inquiries, document retrieval requests, and subpoenas, reminding officials at all levels to be cautious in drafting written records. They have also reportedly sought legal advice from the Justice Department that could allow Trump to exercise executive privilege to protect his communications with personal advisors from congressional scrutiny.
5. Boundaries of Power: Exploring the Expansion of Power; "National Emergency" May Be a Springboard
① Sources revealed that the White House plans to seek legal advice from the Justice Department to determine what Trump can do without congressional support and how to defend himself if these actions are challenged in court. White House Counsel Schaff and his team are reportedly studying "what Trump can do independently within the bounds of the law, in which areas he can expand the boundaries of his power, and how to defend these decisions in court."
② Trump has repeatedly invoked the term "national emergency" to expand his ability to act without congressional approval. While Congress can vote to end these emergencies, Trump can veto such measures. Overturning a veto requires a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate, but given the current situation, the Democrats are unlikely to have enough votes to override it.
6. Election Results: Leaving room for challenging vote counting and certification, or replicating the 2020 litigation strategy.
When asked before the election whether he would accept the midterm election results, Trump stated, "If the election is fair, I will (accept) it." Reports indicate that the Trump administration has adjusted its strategy, attempting to delay related lawsuits and investigations until after Election Day, intending to replicate its actions after its failed 2020 re-election bid—questioning the election results, refusing to recognize some ballots, and preventing final certification of the election results.
7. Personnel Issues: Early Pardons to Protect Allies, Post-Election "Purges" and Scapegoats.
① Democrats have indicated that if they regain control of either house of Congress, they will investigate Trump, his administration officials, and numerous allies. When asked on a podcast about the Democrats potentially targeting Musk or even nationalizing SpaceX, Trump called the rumors "just talk," but said that if the threats materialized, "we'll have to protect them." When asked if he would follow Biden's example and pardon government staff and allies early, Trump said, "If necessary, I would. I wouldn't hesitate at all."
② Reports indicate that as Republicans struggle to retain control of Congress, Trump is blaming senior aides and campaign advisors for the failure of his midterm election strategy; aides are also beginning to blame each other, attempting to absolve themselves of responsibility. Reports suggest that if Democrats regain control of Congress, some officials may choose to resign to avoid months of congressional investigations.
