Trump White House Weighs Executive Actions in Anticipation of Democratic Control of Congre

The White House has been reviewing executive actions for several months to prepare for the possibility that Democrats take control of Congress in the November 3, 2026 midterm elections, Reuters reported, citing a White House official and two people familiar with the plans. Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Budget Director Russell Vought began working with the White House Counsel's Office in April 2026 to identify measures that could be pursued without congressional approval. The review covers immigration, tariffs, housing costs, and federal spending, with White House Counsel Will Scharf and his staff advising President Donald Trump on available options. The effort signals the administration's concern about losing legislative leverage and its intent to govern through executive authority if the midterms go against it. Watch for which specific executive orders or administrative measures emerge from the review and whether the administration previews them ahead of the election.