Trump’s White House prepares to govern via executive actions if Democrats win Congress, bracing for potential investigations
The Trump White House is preparing for a possible Democratic Congressional takeover by planning to advance key parts of Trump’s agenda through executive powers.
Deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and budget director Russell Vought have been working with the White House Counsel’s Office to identify executive actions Trump could take on topics like immigration and federal spending without needing Congressional approval.
White House counsel Will Scharf is exploring legal boundaries for these executive actions to ensure they can be defended in court.
Despite potential Democratic control of Congress, Trump could still wield broad executive authority on trade, foreign policy, and federal bureaucracy.
Governing alone
Trump may need to veto Democratic legislation but ultimately aims to make deals, as earlier reported by Wall Street Journal.
Opinion polls suggest Democrats may win the House; the Senate race appears more competitive.
Upcoming executive actions might include new tariffs and tighter visa rules, as well as measures to lower housing costs.
Vought is also exploring using existing appropriations for advancing administration priorities, potentially avoiding Congressional approval.
Trump has already used executive power to implement tariffs and immigration laws without new legislation from Congress.
He has ignored Congress significantly in his last two years through executive orders and power.
Democratic control could obstruct judicial and executive appointments, even impacting Supreme Court picks.
Democratic Congress may block Trump-backed legislation, but their ability to override vetoes is limited.
The administration is requesting legal opinions to justify actions without Congress and defend them in court.
Potential Democratic investigations could involve subpoenas and document requests targeting alleged presidential misconduct.
White House lawyers are coaching political appointees on handling Congressional inquiries and have sought Justice Department opinions on shielding communications under executive privilege.
