Staff Reports
President Donald Trump told Stephen A. Smith in a recent White House interview that he plans to wield his veto pen a lot once the new Democratic Congress gets to work — but he also suggested a phone call and a deal on healthcare and drug pricing could follow. That mix of bluster and bargain is the story here: a president happy to block bills he dislikes, and happy to trade when the price is right. The real question is whether Democrats bring serious proposals or just press releases.
Veto power as a bargaining chip
“I have the ultimate power — it’s called ‘veto,’” the president said, and he meant it. With Democrats now in control of both the House and Senate but without a two‑thirds majority, most vetoes will stand unless Republicans defect. That changes the game. Instead of letting bills pass that expand spending or impose weak policies, this White House plans to veto early and often to force talks. It’s blunt and it’s effective — and yes, it’s politics. If you don’t like hard bargaining, you don’t like politics.
Healthcare and drug pricing — real talks or theater?
Trump said he could “make deals” on healthcare and drug prices. His administration is pushing so‑called Most Favored Nation agreements as proof that he can lower prescription costs. The White House boasts huge projected savings from those MFN deals and says it has agreements with major drugmakers. But watchdogs and reporters have raised questions about hidden contract terms. Documents obtained under FOIA show redactions and clauses that critics say could protect companies and complicate prices overseas. So if Democrats want a deal, they should demand transparency, not just headlines.
What Democrats can actually do — and should do
Control of both chambers gives Democrats power to set the agenda, hold hearings, and pass laws that define their priorities. But without a veto‑proof margin, they need either bipartisan buy‑in or tight, narrowly focused bills that can survive a fight. Their choices are clear: negotiate real policy, build cross‑aisle coalitions, or pass big bills knowing the president will veto them and use the stage. Voters will notice which path they take.
Bottom line: hold the line, then make a deal that helps Americans
Conservatives should cheer a president who will block wasteful or reckless bills. But lowering drug prices and improving healthcare are not partisan fairy tales — they matter to real people. If President Trump genuinely can cut costs with MFN deals, show the contracts and defend them in public. If Democrats want a win, bring a serious plan that survives scrutiny. Otherwise, this “veto first, call later” approach will look a lot like politics as usual — messy, noisy, and ultimately decided by who brings a better policy to the table.
