WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump's advisers are drafting ways to continue key policies without lawmakers' approval as they prepare for investigations into his administration, according to a White House official and two people familiar with the plans if Democrats take control of Congress in the midterm elections on November 3.

Since April, senior officials, including deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and budget director Russell Vought, have worked with the White House Counsel's Office to identify actions Trump could take on immigration, tariffs, housing costs and federal spending.

A Democratic victory would give the party power to investigate the administration, block legislation and challenge Trump's spending plans. However, the president would retain authority over trade, foreign policy and the federal government.

Trump has said he expects to use his veto power if Republicans lose control, before eventually reaching agreements with Democrats. In an interview with the New York Post's Pod Force One podcast, released on Sunday, he said: "I guess I'll become Mr. Veto." He indicated that deals could follow a period of vetoes.

Democrats need to gain four seats to take control of the House and overcome the Republicans' 53-47 Senate majority. Republicans currently hold a narrow 218-214 House majority. Opinion polls favor Democrats to win the House, while the Senate contest remains uncertain.

The White House has rejected suggestions that Republicans are likely to lose. Spokeswoman Lauren Bis said the administration and its Republican allies would continue strengthening border security, restoring public order, improving household finances, and delivering results for Americans.

Possible executive measures include new import tariffs on critical minerals and wind turbines, tighter visa rules for international students and temporary foreign workers, and steps to reduce housing and construction costs.

Federal agencies have submitted proposals and legal assessments of actions they could take without Congress. Vought is reviewing which priorities it could fund with money lawmakers have already approved. He is also considering changes to federal grant rules that would give political appointees greater influence over which programs receive public money.

Trump has been briefed on the preparations and has joined discussions. One person familiar with the plans described him as very comfortable governing through executive authority under a Democratic-controlled Congress.

Governing without Congress

Trump has repeatedly declared national emergencies to expand his ability to act without new laws. Congress can vote to end an emergency, but the president can veto that decision. Lawmakers would need two-thirds majorities in both chambers to overturn his veto.

A Democratic-controlled Senate could block Trump's judicial and executive branch nominees, including a Supreme Court appointment. Democrats could also refuse to pass legislation he supports. Trump could veto bills passed by Democrats, and they likely won't have enough votes in the House to override him.

Courts could stop executive actions that exceed the president's legal powers. The White House plans to seek Justice Department opinions on what Trump can do without Congress and how to defend those actions in court.

Congressional investigations would be harder to prevent. Senior House Democrats and committee aides have discussed using hearings, subpoenas and document requests to examine whether Trump has used presidential powers to benefit himself, his allies or donors.

White House aides have been preparing for those investigations for months, all three people familiar with the plans said.