U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he would respect the results of next week’s U.S. midterm elections “if they are fair,” in a fresh hint at unsubstantiated allegations of fraud.
Speaking while heading to Texas for an election rally, Trump said he would work with Democrats if Republicans lose control of Congress. At the same time, he warned that, as president, he has a “strong” veto power over legislation.
Asked whether he would respect the midterm election results, Trump told reporters, “I will do that if they are fair elections.”
Regarding the possibility of Democrats gaining control of both the House and the Senate, Trump said at Andrews Base near Washington, “We will find a way to work with them. Know that I have a strong veto power. I hope it doesn't come to that, but if it does, it has happened before with many presidents.”
He added, “You have strong veto power, and you end up working on deals.”
Republicans fear a Democratic “blue wave” in the midterm elections in response to inflation resulting from the sharp rise in oil prices since Trump launched his war on Iran.
Over the past month, Trump has held nearly daily rallies across the United States to boost turnout among his base and supporters, viewing himself as the only one capable of preventing defeat.
His third visit to Texas reflects these concerns, as polls point to a heated contest for a Senate seat in a state that has remained a Republican stronghold for more than 30 years.
In recent days, Trump has stepped up his statements about election fraud, repeating claims he made following the 2020 presidential election.
After losing that election to Democrat Joe Biden, Trump incited protesters who attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, in an attempt to disrupt the final certification of the election results.
Some now fear that Trump is paving the way to challenge the midterm election results, potentially even imposing some form of emergency powers.
On Monday, he offered a cash reward of $1 million to anyone whose information leads to convictions for election fraud.
