Trump's midterm defeat: From Iran to vetoes, what's next for the lame-duck president?

Donald Trump's Democratic midterm defeat has made him a lame-duck president, but he retains significant powers to disrupt his final two years in office, including potential military action against Iran and veto threats. Trump struck a conciliatory tone after the election, offering to work with Democrats, yet he has boasted of his veto power and reportedly plans executive orders on immigration. He may also face Democratic-led investigations and could renew large-scale operations against Iran, though he indicated a preference for a deal. Foreign policy remains his strongest lever, including pushing Ukraine toward a settlement with Russia and managing relations with China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Putin. Alternatively, Trump could focus on legacy projects like the White House ballroom and Washington beautification efforts.