The administration is drafting plans to implement independent policy actions on tariffs, housing, and federal spending if Democrats flip the four net seats needed in both chambers. Budget director Russell Vought is specifically evaluating mechanisms to redirect previously approved congressional funds and shift grant authority toward political appointees. Meanwhile, White House lawyers are preparing defenses against legal challenges and coaching agency leadership on handling aggressive oversight. The administration has also requested a Justice Department opinion on shielding discussions involving private advisers under executive privilege.
Key points
Executive orders and rule changes are being drafted to circumvent potential legislative r…: Executive orders and rule changes are being drafted to circumvent potential legislative resistance from a Democrat-led Congress.
White House attorneys are preparing legal strategies to defend unilateral actions from an…: White House attorneys are preparing legal strategies to defend unilateral actions from anticipated court challenges.
Agency heads are being coached on handling oversight inquiries and using executive privil…: Agency heads are being coached on handling oversight inquiries and using executive privilege to shield sensitive communications.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
US President Donald Trump's administration is preparing for the possibility of Democrats taking control of Congress after Tuesday's midterm elections, drawing up plans to continue advancing his agenda through executive powers while bracing for investigations into his government.
Senior aides, including deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and budget director Russell Vought, have been working with the White House Counsel's Office since April to identify measures Trump could pursue without congressional approval, reported news agency Reuters.
These include policies on immigration, tariffs, housing costs and federal spending, according to a White House official and two people familiar with the plans.
White House lawyers are also examining what Trump can legally do independently, how far he can push his authority and how to defend those decisions in court.
White House plans for a Democratic Congress
Democrats need to gain four seats in both the House of Representatives and the Senate to take control. Polls favour them in the House, while the Senate contest remains too close to call.
A Democratic majority would allow the party to block legislation, scrutinise government spending…
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