White House publishes ‘VETO’ cap photo after midterm losses

• The image shows a red cap reading “VETO” placed on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office.
• Trump has threatened to use his veto power against legislation introduced by the incoming Democratic majority.
• Democrats won control of both the House and Senate in the Nov. 3 midterm elections.

The White House has drawn attention to US President Donald Trump’s threat to use his presidential veto power, sharing an image of a red cap bearing the word “VETO” on Thursday as his administration faces the political fallout of the Republicans’ defeat in the 2026 midterm elections.

The photograph shows the cap placed on a stack of books on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, with Trump speaking in the background.

The move comes after Democrats secured control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in Tuesday’s midterm elections, ending Republican control of Congress and dealing a major setback to Trump’s legislative agenda. 

Trump had already signalled his intention to use the veto as a political weapon against the incoming Democratic majority. In remarks following the election, he said he would reject what he described as the Democrats’ “ridiculous bills,” predicting that lawmakers would eventually approach him to negotiate.

“The veto is one of the president’s most powerful authorities,” Trump said, arguing that the prospect of blocking legislation could force Democrats to reach agreements with his administration. 

The election results mark a significant shift in Washington, where Republicans had previously maintained narrow majorities in both chambers, allowing Trump considerable room to advance his domestic agenda.

Democratic control of Congress, expected to take effect when the new lawmakers are sworn in in January, will give the opposition party greater influence over legislation, federal spending and congressional investigations into the administration.

However, a Democratic majority does not strip Trump of his executive powers. The president can veto legislation passed by Congress, although lawmakers can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers, a threshold that is difficult to reach. 

The photograph also comes amid Trump's increasingly defiant public response to the Republican losses, as he has sought to distance himself from the electoral setback while warning Democrats against pursuing legislation he opposes.

🤫👀 https://t.co/f2s127VszQ

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 5, 2026