US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has appeared to have given the Oval Office a pointed political makeover on Thursday (local time), displaying a massive red cap emblazoned with the word “VETO” on the historic Resolute Desk, days after Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections. The prominent display of the cap came as Trump addressed reporters during the signing of a proclamation seeking to preserve the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room as national monuments under the Antiquities Act. The red cap, carrying the word “VETO” in bold lettering, remained prominently visible on his desk during the briefing.

 

The gesture appeared to underline Trump’s readiness to use his constitutional authority to counter the legislative agenda of Democrats, who are set to gain greater oversight powers following their electoral victory in the November 3 midterm elections. Earlier, Trump had shared an image on Truth Social featuring a red baseball cap bearing the word “VETO”. He subsequently told Fox News that the presidential veto was among the strongest powers available to the US President.