The Donald Trump administration and the Republican Party have suffered a major political setback in the 2026 US midterm elections. The Democrats have made significant gains, winning control of both chambers of Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The dramatic political shift has intensified the power struggle between the White House and Capitol Hill. As Democrats prepare to challenge Mr. Trump’s policies and pursue their own agenda, the President’s veto power has emerged as one of his most important constitutional tools.

Following the election results, Mr. Trump highlighted the importance of veto power, describing it as one of the strongest constitutional weapons available to a US president. However, he also made it clear that he did not intend to veto every bill sent to him by Congress. Nevertheless, the veto power is expected to serve as the White House’s main line of defence against legislative challenges from Democrats.

How Trump’s Veto and Pocket Veto Work

Under US law, when Congress passes a bill and sends it to the President, he can refuse to sign it and veto it.

Historically, Congress has rarely succeeded in overriding a presidential veto, making it a powerful legal safeguard for the President.

Mr. Trump also has another powerful tool at his disposal: the pocket veto. Unlike an ordinary veto, a pocket veto cannot be overridden by Congress.

If the President does not sign a bill while Congress is adjourning, the bill automatically fails to become law. To revive such legislation, Democrats would have to restart the legislative process, giving the White House an additional means of blocking their initiatives.

Democrats’ Counterstrategy and Pressure for Investigations

With control of Congress, Democrats have gained the power not only to pass or block legislation but also to conduct extensive investigations into the Trump administration, summon administration officials, issue subpoenas and closely scrutinise government spending and policies.

Although Democrats control Congress, they cannot directly curtail Mr. Trump’s executive powers as commander-in-chief of the US armed forces.

However, political analysts believe Democrats will make full use of their congressional majority over the next two years to disrupt Mr. Trump’s domestic policies and governance.