{
  "id": 18201100,
  "title": "Lame duck Trump could still cause a flap after US midterms defeat",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/lame-duck-trump-could-still-cause-a-flap-after-us-midterms-defeat",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-04T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2026/11/05/lame-duck-trump-could-still-cause-a-flap-after-us-midterms-defeat/241978"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Donald Trump, now a lame-duck president, displayed a surprisingly conciliatory tone following the Democratic victory in the US midterm elections. Former US presidents retain significant powers, and Trump's remaining time in office could see him engage in controversial actions. Peter Loge, director of George Washington University's School of Media and Public Affairs, warned that Trump could potentially cause major disruption using his remaining powers.\n\nDespite congratulating the Democrats, Trump has hinted at his desire to work with them, particularly if Republicans turn against him due to the blame placed on the Iran war. However, he has reaffirmed his executive power to veto any Democratic legislation. He even posted a picture of a red baseball cap with the word \"VETO,\" suggesting his intention to use executive orders to push through hardline immigration policies.\n\nTrump's foreign policy, especially regarding Iran, remains a critical area where he holds broad powers as a lame-duck president. He may renew large-scale military operations against Iran or seek a deal to end the ongoing conflict. However, Trump indicated that he is still seeking a resolution, stating, \"I don't think he wants his legacy to be a warmonger. He wants his legacy to have left America stronger.\"\n\nRegarding Ukraine, Trump has long advocated for a peaceful resolution and will likely continue to push Ukraine towards a settlement with Russia. Trilateral talks between Ukraine, the US, and Russia are scheduled for next week. However, Trump's influence over key world leaders like Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin may be impacted by his midterms defeat.\n\nDespite his political setbacks, Trump might choose to focus on his physical legacy, as he mentioned in his closing midterms speech. He highlighted plans to renovate the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and build a massive ballroom at the White House, which is expected to be completed shortly before he leaves office.",
  "summary": "WASHINGTON, Nov 5 — Donald Trump struck a surprisingly conciliatory tone after the Democratic sweep of the US midt...",
  "key_points": [
    "Lame-duck Trump displays conciliatory tone post-Democratic midterm victory.",
    "Trump retains significant powers as former president, could cause major disruption.",
    "Trump may renew Iran military operations or seek a deal to end conflict."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "France 24",
        "title": "Trump after the midterms: Gridlock, impeachment and succession?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/trump-after-the-midterms-gridlock-impeachment-and-succession",
        "published": "2026-11-04T15:54:58.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}