White House plotting to bypass Congress: Trump team has compiled list of actions for 'presidential governance without Congress'

On November 1, Reuters cited White House officials and two informed sources stating that the Trump administration has been developing strategies since April 2026 to advance its agenda through executive authority should Democrats regain control of Congress, while preparing for potential congressional investigations.

The reporting indicates that since April 2026, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Budget Director Russell Vought have worked with the White House Legal Counsel’s office to identify administrative actions that can be implemented unilaterally.

Preparations span multiple policy areas, including new tariffs—such as those targeting critical minerals and wind turbines—tightening visa rules for international students and temporary foreign workers, reducing housing and construction costs, and strengthening the White House’s oversight of federal funding distribution.

The legal team led by White House Counsel Will Saul is assessing the boundaries of presidential authority under law, identifying where executive power could be extended, and developing legal defenses for such decisions in court. The team has also trained officials on how to respond to congressional inquiries, subpoenas, and document requests, advising caution in preserving written records.

When asked whether governing would be smooth under a Democratic-controlled Congress, one source replied: “Very comfortable.”

Since taking office for his second term, Trump has repeatedly attempted to circumvent Congress:

- Tariffs: Leveraging the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose sweeping global tariffs; however, the Supreme Court ruled the approach unconstitutional in February 2026.

- Election rules: Signed an executive order in March 2025 aiming to restrict mail-in ballots and voter registration, which was permanently blocked by a federal court.

- Immigration and foreign policy: Issued executive orders to intensify immigration enforcement and advance military action against Iran.

What awaits Trump if Democrats win

- Legislative obstruction: With Democrats controlling the House, all tax and appropriations legislation must originate in the House. This would severely hinder implementation of Trump’s pledges on tax cuts and military expansion.

- Congressional investigations: Democrats would gain committee subpoena power, enabling extensive scrutiny into Trump family business dealings, government contracts, and donation networks.

- Personnel appointments blocked: If the Senate also flips, Democratic opposition would likely obstruct Trump’s nominations across the judiciary and executive branches, including Supreme Court justices.

- Executive orders remain a tool: Despite legislative constraints, Trump retains broad executive authority in trade, foreign affairs, and federal bureaucracy, allowing continued advancement of certain policy priorities via executive action.

The 2026 midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, featuring full renewal of all 435 House seats and approximately one-third of the Senate. Current polling widely projects Democrats will reclaim the House, while Senate outcomes remain closely contested.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1880674118719491/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.