Trump Vetoes Defense Bill, Setting Up Congressional Vote To Potentially Override Him

U.S. Army soldiers return from deployment to Afghanistan earlier this month at Fort Drum, N.Y.

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Updated at 5:03 p.m. ET

President Trump has followed through on his threats to veto the annual defense bill, triggering plans for Congress to return from its holiday break to potentially override him for the first time in his four-year administration.

“My Administration has taken strong actions to help keep our Nation safe and support our service members,” Trump wrote in a message to the House of Representatives. “I will not approve this bill, which would put the interests of the Washington, D.C. establishment over those of the American people.”