Trump prepares vetoes and tariffs if Democrats take control of Congress

The White House has spent months preparing for the possibility that Democrats take control of Congress, according to La Nacion. The preparations focus on continuing important parts of President Donald Trump's agenda despite losing congressional support.

The stakes extend beyond passing legislation. Democratic control of the Senate would allow the party to block Trump's judicial and executive-branch nominees, including any Supreme Court pick, Global News reported.

Reports published on November 1 described the administration's preparations ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections. Reuters reported that the White House was mapping a path to govern without Congress if Democrats win.

Trump's public response centered on blocking legislation. "Well, if that happens, I guess I'll become Mr. Veto. I'm not going to let them through," he said, according to The Hill.

He also left room for negotiations. The president said he would "probably make deals" with a potential Democratic-controlled Congress, Forbes reported.

Tariffs are another part of the plan. India Today reported on November 1 that Trump planned more tariffs as Democrats sought a shift in congressional control. The supplied coverage does not specify their scope or timing.

These are preparations for a possible election outcome, not a response to a confirmed Democratic victory. Times now reported that Trump was ready to rely on vetoes and strike deals if Democrats took Congress in Tuesday's vote.

The distinction between the chambers matters. While Trump's comments address blocking Democratic bills, Global News identified a separate source of Democratic leverage: a Senate majority could stop his nominees.

Tuesday's results will determine whether the scenario Trump is preparing for becomes reality. Infobae reported that his veto warning applied if Republicans lost control of the House or the Senate.

If Democrats gain control, the open questions include which legislation Trump would negotiate over and how he would carry out the additional tariffs reported by India Today. The coverage provides no specific proposed deals or tariff schedule.