04.11.2026 08:31
US President Donald Trump, after the Democrats won the majority in Congress in the midterm elections, made the statement, 'The ultimate power is in my hands. It's called a veto.' Stating that he was ready to veto laws prepared by the Democrats, Trump said he would be pleased to be called 'Mr. Veto.'
As power balances in Congress are expected to change following the midterm elections in the US, a striking message came from President Donald Trump to the Democrats. In a special telephone interview with CBS News before polling centers closed, Trump explained what course he would follow if the Democrats win a majority in the House of Representatives or the Senate. Stating that he trusts his presidential powers, Trump said he would not hesitate to veto bills coming from Congress that he does not find appropriate.
"THE ULTIMATE POWER IS IN MY HANDS, IT'S CALLED A VETO"
Asked about the possibility of the Democrats taking control of Congress, Trump recalled the president's power to veto laws and used the phrases, "The ultimate power is in my hands. It's called a veto."
Stating that he is ready to block bills prepared by the Democrats when necessary, Trump said he would be pleased to be called "Mr. Veto" because of this approach.
Arguing that the veto power could force the Democrats to make a deal with him, Trump said, "Historically, you use the veto for a few months, and then they come and say, 'We need to make a deal.'"
"THE PRESIDENCY HAS VERY GREAT POWERS"
Arguing that a change in the congressional majority would not prevent his administration from achieving its goals, Trump claimed that recent Supreme Court rulings have strengthened the presidency.
In this context, recalling the case regarding the dismissal of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) member Rebecca Slaughter, Trump said that the Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling expanded his powers over federal agencies.
Trump said, "We won the Slaughter case, and this case gave the president very great powers that he did not previously have."
Emphasizing that the presidency is strong, Trump said, "Our presidency is seen as a strong presidency. There is a lot you can do."
EVEN IF THE DEMOCRATS WIN, HE WILL NOT BACK DOWN
Two sources who spoke to CBS News and were said to be close to Trump reported that discussions had been held at the White House in recent weeks on presidential decrees and executive powers.
It was stated that Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought stood out in the discussions. It was expressed that new presidential steps were being evaluated, especially in immigration and trade policies.
One of the sources close to Trump argued that even if the Democrats gain power in Congress, the president would retain broad powers in the areas of trade, border security, federal administration, foreign policy and national security.
"I HELD 33 BIG RALLIES"
Stating that he ran an intense campaign to support Republican candidates before the midterm elections, Trump claimed that his rallies in recent weeks changed the election race.
Trump said, "If you remember, 30-40 days ago everyone was talking about a big defeat. Now they are even talking about whether we can win."
Describing his work during the campaign, Trump said, "I held 33 events over 29 days. They were all massive rallies. No one has ever done anything like that before."
Arguing that the rallies increased voters' interest, Trump said that Republicans could achieve better results in the elections than expected.
"WILL WE WIN? WE'LL SEE"
Trump, who did not make a definitive prediction about the election results, acknowledged that surprise results could emerge from the ballot box.
"Will we win? We'll see. We have a good chance, but we will not experience an embarrassing result," Trump said, arguing that Republicans had gained significant momentum throughout the campaign.
President Trump also claimed that the comprehensive law adopted last year and known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and trade policies contributed to economic growth.
HE DESCRIBED HIS NEW PROJECTS AT THE WHITE HOUSE
In the interview, Trump also touched on construction and renovation projects in Washington. Saying that he attaches importance to the maintenance of the White House and historic buildings in the capital, Trump responded to former President Barack Obama's criticism of these works.
Stating that there were broken windows and damaged stones at the White House, Trump said that these had been repaired and said, "The White House is now in flawless condition."
Describing construction and renovation work as soothing to him, Trump said, "I really enjoy doing this. For many people, this work can be stressful, but it relaxes me because I do it very well."
HE ANNOUNCED HIS NEW GOALS FOR 2027
Trump said that in 2027 he aims to complete the new ballroom project at the White House and to begin construction of the approximately 76-meter-high arch he wants built in Washington.
Stating that the ballroom would also include a military complex, Trump described the planned arch as a celebration of success.
Also touching on efforts to clean graffiti in the capital, Trump said that his administration was fighting a serious graffiti problem at 97 different locations.
WHAT DID HE SAY ABOUT THE 2028 ELECTIONS?
Trump was also asked in the interview about his plans regarding the 2028 presidential election.
Stating that he had not yet discussed with his advisers a possible third-term candidacy that would face constitutional and legal obstacles, Trump said that there are many strong figures in the Republican Party who could run for president in the future.
Trump's statements increased discussions about potential power struggles between the White House and the legislature if the Democrats win a majority in Congress.