Trump Says He Will Use Veto Power Against Democratic Legislation
President Donald Trump said he will employ his constitutional veto authority to block bills passed by a Democratic-controlled Congress, warning that he could reject legislation unless lawmakers negotiate.
President Donald Trump indicated he intends to use the constitutional veto power to block legislation passed by Democrats now that the party controls both chambers of Congress. In a CBS News interview, he described the veto as “the ultimate power” and said he could reject Democratic bills until a compromise is reached. > "I have the ultimate power – it’s called ‘veto,’" Trump said, adding that he would veto “everything” if negotiations failed. He also posted the word “VETO” on his social-media platform, signaling readiness to employ the tool.
Trump reiterated the strength of the veto in a Fox News interview, calling it “one of the stronger powers that a President has” and suggesting he would veto “insane” proposals. He referenced a Supreme Court decision that, in his view, expanded presidential authority over federal agencies.
The U.S. Constitution allows a president to reject a bill passed by both houses, returning it with objections. Congress can override a veto only with a two-thirds majority in the House and Senate, a threshold that would require substantial bipartisan support for Democrats. The veto can also serve as leverage in legislative negotiations, a tactic Trump said he expects to use to compel lawmakers to reach a deal.