Trump maps a path to govern without Congress if Republicans lose control

Key Points:

• The White House has been preparing for a possible Democratic takeover of Congress by identifying executive actions President Trump can pursue without legislative approval, focusing on immigration, tariffs, housing costs, and federal spending.
• Senior aides and the White House Counsel's Office have been assessing the legal boundaries of Trump's executive authority and developing strategies to defend potential actions in court amid anticipated congressional investigations.
• Despite potential Democratic control of Congress, Trump plans to use his executive powers extensively, including issuing vetoes and leveraging national emergency declarations, while Democrats could block appointments and legislation but face challenges overriding vetoes.
• The administration is reviewing new tariffs, visa restrictions, and housing cost measures, and aims to increase White House oversight of federal spending through revised grant rules without needing congressional consent.
• White House lawyers are preparing for congressional oversight by advising officials on handling subpoenas and document requests and seeking Justice Department opinions to potentially invoke executive privilege to protect communications.