Facing 2 years as a lame duck, what can Trump do to stay in control?
Following disastrous midterm elections that cost Republicans congressional control, President Donald Trump faces serving the rest of his term as a “lame duck” and battling constant resistance to his agenda. The loss is expected to steer the White House towards a more aggressive foreign policy and even greater reliance on executive orders. Trump has already suggested he could brandish his veto pen…
As President Donald Trump faces his final two years in office, grappling with a divided government and a looming blue tsunami in the 2026 midterm elections, he is poised to wield his executive powers to maintain control. With Republicans losing control of Congress, Trump now finds himself in a "lame duck" position, inherently limited by legislative constraints. However, his ability to issue executive orders unabated, coupled with his willingness to wield the veto pen, could shape his final years in office.
Trump’s heavy reliance on executive orders, averaging 166 per year in his second term, signifies his intent to bypass Congress and drive his agenda forward. This aggressive approach is expected to manifest in areas such as artificial intelligence, immigration, deregulation, and energy. Furthermore, Democrats' fiscal control over the budget process provides them with the most potent leverage, as Trump cannot bypass Congress to secure federal funding or lift the national borrowing limit.
Beyond fiscal control, Congress can also impede Trump's agenda by obstructing his personnel appointments. This tactic could further stymie his ambitions, particularly in sectors like trade and foreign affairs, where lawmakers will struggle to constrain the president's unilateral actions.
Trump is anticipated to pivot towards foreign policy, bolstering his legacy and avoiding re-election pressures. His engagement with Moscow remains a contentious issue, potentially leading to friction between the branches of government. Democrats, with their legal and political barriers, may attempt to stall any energy-focused deals, especially in light of the ongoing Ukraine war and the European Union's commitment to phase out Russian gas imports by 2027.
While the prospect of impeachment looms, the structural challenges and congressional resistance make it a highly unlikely outcome. Nevertheless, Congress could attempt to investigate Trump and his inner circle through subpoena powers, posing risks to the White House's day-to-day operations.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
