Trump Prepared to Use Veto Power as He Plans More Executive Actions

Veto Power and Court Ruling

In a phone interview with CBS News before polls closed in the midterm elections, Trump said the veto gave him what he called “the ultimate power.” He described vetoes as a way to prompt negotiations with Congress. Trump cited Trump v. Slaughter, a Supreme Court decision that allowed him to fire Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter. He said the 6-to-3 ruling supported his ability to exert broad control over federal agencies, boards and commissions, regardless of which party holds congressional majorities.

White House Action Discussions

Trump said he intends to pursue his agenda in several federal areas next year, using the ruling as a foundation for executive actions. He described the presidency as strong and said it allows a president to do a lot.

Campaign Efforts and Washington Projects

Trump said he had done everything he could to help Republicans in the midterms and believed his efforts made the race more competitive. He said passage of last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act and his trade policies were helping drive growth across economic sectors.

Trump also spoke about projects at the White House and around Washington, D.C., including renovations and cleanup work. He said the White House was now “pristine,” described a planned ballroom as a “ballroom and military complex,” and said work on an arch might begin.