Trump Calls Democrats 'Congrats' While Warning of Veto Power
In a CBS interview, Trump both praised opposition wins and warned he could wield total veto power, while ABC contributors—one a Democratic strategist and the other a former Trump aide—offered their analysis.
For many voters, Trump's phone call with CBS News, where he congratulated Democrats on their election victories, reads as a surprising concession from a leader who usually champions national sovereignty.
At the same time, Trump warned in that call that he could exercise his "total veto power," a reminder that his authority remains a check on any political shift.
ABC News contributors—Democratic strategist Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez and former Trump aide Sonny Joy Nelson—shared their takeaways from the results, offering perspectives that span the political spectrum and highlighting the media’s role in framing the outcome.
Original reporting
CBS News
Trump congratulates Democrats in election night call with CBS News
President Trump congratulated Democrats on their victories, but in a phone call with CBS News he also threatened to use his "total veto power."
Read the original →ABC News
WATCH: Where do Republicans go from here?
ABC News contributors Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez, a Democratic strategist, and Sonny Joy Nelson, a former special assistant to President Trump, share their takeaways from last night's results.
Read the original →NBC News
Democrats take House and Senate in historic midterm win
NBC News projects Democrats have won control of the House and Senate in the midterms. NBC News’ Ryan Nobles looks at some of the historic wins in states like Texas and Michigan along with Republican reaction.
Read the original →CBS News
President Trump reacts to Democrats winning the House and Senate
President Trump has no regrets about his war with Iran, despite CBS News projecting that Democrats will win both the House and Senate in the midterm elections. Weijia Jiang reports.
Read the original →
Facts this version was allowed to use
- President Trump congratulated Democrats on their election victories in a phone call with CBS News.
- Trump, in a phone call with CBS News, threatened to use his "total veto power."
- Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez is a Democratic strategist and an ABC News contributor.
- Sonny Joy Nelson is a former special assistant to President Trump and an ABC News contributor.
- ABC News contributors Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez and Sonny Joy Nelson shared their takeaways from the previous night's election results.
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