In brief
According to a TASS report, a former Trump transition team staffer said that if Democrats secure both chambers in the 2026 midterm elections, Congress will see limited legislative activity and policy will be driven by presidential executive orders. The statement comes ahead of the January 3, 2027 convening of the 120th Congress. A CNN interview adds that Trump would systematically veto proposals until Democrats seek a compromise.
TASS reported that a former member of President Donald Trump’s transition team warned that if the 2026 midterm elections give Democrats control of both the House and Senate, the U.S. Congress would see little legislative activity in the 120th Congress, and policy would be driven mainly by presidential executive orders, regulatory actions and memoranda.
The former senior US official, who has been a staffer on Trump’s transition team, told TASS: "If the midterm elections give Democrats control of both the House and Senate, expect little legislative activity in the 120th Congress. Democrats may be able to pass legislation, but that legislation won’t become law without negotiating with President Trump and securing his signature." He added that Democrats would focus much of their attention on investigations and oversight of the executive branch.
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ewline$The U.S. is holding its midterm congressional elections, with one‑third of the Senate and all seats in the House contested on November 4, 2026. The next Congress will begin its work on January 3, 2027.
In a separate CNN interview, Trump said, "What happens is I veto everything, and then the Democrats come and they want to make a deal," indicating that he intends to use veto power if he finds the Democratic agenda incompatible with his priorities.
Key Points
• 2026 midterms could see Democrats gaining control of both chambers. • The former Trump transition team member predicts limited legislative action. • Trump’s stance is that policy will be guided by executive orders and that he will veto proposals until a deal is reached.
