Trump Claims Veto Power After GOP Suffers Midterm Losses
The president cited gas prices and candidate selection for the defeat while pledging cooperation with the new Democratic majority.
By Fatou Mitchell ·
President Donald Trump conceded that the Republican Party faced a major setback in the midterm elections, yet he immediately pivoted to his executive authority. In a post on his social media platform on Tuesday night, he shared an image of his signature red hat emblazoned with the word VETO. The move signaled his intent to block legislation from the incoming Democratic Congress.
The results came as a shock to the administration. Trump told Fox News he was a little bit surprised by the outcome. He noted that he had expected a stronger showing for his party. "I thought we would do better," he said. He pointed to large crowds at his rallies as evidence of voter enthusiasm that did not translate into wins.
Blame for the loss was distributed across several fronts. Trump pointed to high gas prices resulting from the war in Iran. He also criticized the selection of Republican candidates. In a phone interview with Politico, he stated that voters did not like the candidates in most cases. "There were plenty of people elected too, but, you know, not enough," he explained.
The president played a direct role in several high-profile contests. In Texas, he endorsed Ken Paxton over incumbent John Cornyn for the Senate seat. Paxton was projected to lose on Tuesday. In South Carolina, Trump supported Darline Graham for a full term to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham's seat. That race also ended in a projected defeat for the Republican nominee.
Trump directed specific criticism at Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The governor lost his bid for a fourth term to Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa. Trump called Abbott a RINO, a term for a Republican in Name Only. He claimed Abbott reverted to an old political formula that was not pretty. "If Greg Abbott.. hadn't become a RINO in the last six months of his Political Life, he wouldn't have lost," Trump posted.
Despite the loss of the House and Senate, the president said he is willing to work with Democrats. In the Politico interview, he said he would consider striking an immigration deal. "I'd consider doing whatever I think is appropriate and good for the country," he stated. He emphasized that Democrats can pass bills, but he will send them back with a stamp of disapproval.
The next step in the process is the formal transfer of control to the new Congress. Trump said he will review legislation as it arrives. He described the potential for 50 different bills to be sent to his desk. He indicated that he will use his veto power to manage the flow of new laws.
