Midterms could create a 'dangerous and volatile situation' if GOP suffers big loss: expert

A political expert warned on Sunday that the U.S. could face a "dangerous and volatile situation" if the GOP suffers massive losses in the upcoming midterm election, as some have predicted.

Republicans are limping into the midterms, led by a president with a 37% overall approval rating, one of the lowest for an incumbent in recent elections. Meanwhile, Democrats have won a slew of races, ranging from state elected offices to special congressional races, which has given the party a lot of confidence heading into November.

Ashley Pratte Oates, a political commentator, warned during an interview on MS NOW's "Alex Witt Reports" that a GOP wipeout in the midterms could lead President Donald Trump to consolidate more executive power to offset the loss of Republican majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

"I think it's going to be a very dangerous and volatile situation should Republicans lose in the midterms in November, which, again, I think they should be prepared for that heavy, heavy loss," Oates said.

Oates noted that Trump has already shown a proclivity to using executive power in place of legislative negotiations. According to Ballotpedia data, Trump has signed 258 executive orders during his second term, nearly matching the total number signed by former President Barack Obama during his eight years in office.