If Democrats Win Congress, Trump Says He Will Veto Everything

Washington, October 23

US President Donald Trump has warned that he would veto legislation across the board if Democrats win control of Congress in the November midterm elections, saying the move would compel the opposition to seek a deal.

Speaking to reporters on Friday at the White House South Lawn, shortly before departing for a rally in Florida, Trump said he believed Republicans would prevail. He nevertheless made clear how he would act in the event of a deadlock.

"I think Republicans will win, but if we get into what you call gridlock, I will veto everything, and then the Democrats will come to me, because they have to make a deal," he said.

Trump brushed aside the notion that a divided government would stall his agenda. He said repeated vetoes would ultimately push Democrats to the negotiating table and asserted that the two sides would eventually find common ground.

He described the strategy as a means of breaking legislative logjams. The constant threat of vetoes, he argued, would prompt the opposition to engage with the White House and identify a middle ground. "If that happens, you veto, and they come back and say, how do we move this forward? Then you make a deal," he said.

The discussion began with a question on whether two years of legislative gridlock would hurt the US economy. Trump initially redirected the conversation to Iran before turning to the possibility of Republicans losing control of Congress.

His remarks reflected his broader push to boost Republican prospects in the midterm contests. He said large numbers of people were attending his rallies and that these events were helping Republican candidates in multiple states.

Trump cited a recent campaign stop in Iowa and previewed upcoming events in Florida and Michigan. He admitted that some Republican Senate candidates were facing tough fights but said voter enthusiasm within the party remained high.

He also rejected the suggestion that his frequent campaign appearances could provoke a political backlash. Trump maintained that the rallies were benefiting Republican candidates and said he would continue campaigning ahead of the vote.

The interview offered a view of how Trump could handle his relationship with Congress if political control changes after the November results. Instead of treating gridlock as a setback, he presented his veto power as a tool for political bargaining that could draw Democratic lawmakers into negotiations and compromise.