Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, and several Trump-backed candidates were defeated by wide margins in results many saw as a rebuke of Trump.

Days after the results were projected, Trump displayed a red “VETO” cap on the Resolute Desk during an Oval Office ceremony where he signed an executive order designating the Oval Office and Cabinet Room as a national monument.

Trump had threatened to use his veto power against a Democrat-controlled Congress, and the White House shared a photo of the cap on X with shushing and eyes emojis.

The post echoed Trump’s social-media style and ended with, “Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

After Republicans’ defeat, the White House also posted a meme showing Donald Trump scowling at his desk beneath the message, “PSA: TRUMP IS STILL YOUR PRESIDENT.”

Critics mocked the meme as embarrassing, arguing that its angry tone reflected why the party had performed poorly.

Others edited the cap’s lettering to read “impeachment,” “closer” and “lame duck,” while some called it a “lame-duck souvenir” and criticized the display as divisive.

Some critics urged Democrats to advance measures on affordability, healthcare, congressional stock trading and other issues, challenging Trump to veto them.