Lame-duck Trump: 10 key questions on his remaining powers

Donald Trump retains full presidential powers as a lame duck, including command of the military, executive orders, and veto authority, despite Democrats winning control of Congress in Tuesday's midterm elections. His constitutional authority remains unchanged until January 2029. Democrats gain significant oversight and spending control when the new Congress convenes on January 3, 2027, but cannot automatically reverse presidential decisions. They can restrict military funding, launch investigations, and block appointments, though overriding vetoes requires two-thirds majorities in both chambers. Trump can still order military strikes against Iran without prior congressional approval, though prolonged operations face legal and funding limits. Democrats may initiate impeachment proceedings, but removal requires a two-thirds Senate vote, a threshold Trump has survived twice before.