Trump shows off MAGA-style 'Veto' hat after Democrats sweep midterm elections: What are the president's veto powers?

President Donald Trump on Thursday showed off a hat with the word "Veto" in large letters as he welcomed reporters into the Oval Office for the first time since his Republican Party was knocked down in Tuesday's midterm elections. The red MAGA-style hat was pictured on the desk as the president signed an executive order declaring that office a "national monument". Trump earlier posted a photo of a similar hat on his Truth Social account. Here we explain the president's messaging and what veto powers he actually holds.

Veto powers of a US president

The US Constitution grants the president the authority to veto legislation passed by the Congress. The presidential veto is of two types: regular veto and pocket veto.


The regular veto involves the president returning unsigned legislation to the Congress within 10 days, usually with a veto message. The Congress can override that decision, but only with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.

The Democrats have won majorities in both chambers of Congress, but still lack the numbers required to override a veto on their own. That means they would require significant support from their GOP counterparts.

The pocket veto is an absolute veto that happens if the Congress has adjourned before the 10 day-window is over and the president does not return the legislation, essentially killing it.

In his first term, Trump had vetoed 10 pieces of legislation with a 90% success rate, according to the American Presidency Project at University of California, Santa Barbara.

What has Trump said about veto power?

Both before and after the midterms, Trump hinted that he was ready to use his veto powers to block Democratic agenda for the remaining two years of his second term.

Speaking with Fox News, the president said that despite a Democratic landslide in the recent elections, the Democrats were "not really in control."

"Because they can send over 50 different great bills that they are all excited about, and I send them back with a nice stamp," he added.

2026 midterm elections

The Democratic Party registered a thumping victory in the midterm elections, securing majorities in both House of Representatives and the Senate - the two chambers of the Congress.

The results have been termed a "blue wave" as the Democrats also snatched seats that are traditionally considered Republican strongholds.