Donald Trump vetoed 10 times during his presidency.
During his single term as the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump exercised his presidential veto power on ten occasions. This power allows a president to reject a bill passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming law unless Congress overrides the veto with a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate.
Presidential Vetoes in Recent History
Understanding the frequency of vetoes provides insight into the legislative dynamics between the White House and Capitol Hill. Here's a look at the total vetoes by recent U.S. presidents:
| President | Total Vetoes |
|---|---|
| Bill Clinton | 37 |
| George W. Bush | 12 |
| Barack Obama | 12 |
| Donald Trump | 10 |
This table illustrates that while President Trump used his veto power, his total was less than some predecessors like Bill Clinton, and slightly fewer than George W. Bush and Barack Obama, who each served two terms.
The Significance of Presidential Vetoes
Presidential vetoes are a crucial component of the checks and balances system in the U.S. government. They allow the executive branch to prevent legislation it opposes from becoming law, acting as a significant leverage point in policy debates. While vetoes can halt specific legislative efforts, they can also signal a president's policy priorities and willingness to challenge Congress. In some cases, a presidential veto can be overridden by Congress, though this requires substantial bipartisan support.
