Trump Blames Aides as Republican Midterm Hopes Fade
President Donald Trump is privately blaming senior aides and political operatives for what he sees as a faltering midterm strategy, Reuters reports, citing three people familiar with the internal discussions.
Trump is questioning campaign spending, faulting redistricting decisions, and second-guessing candidate choices as Republicans fight to keep control of Congress, the sources said. He is not on the November 3 ballot but repeatedly tells supporters to pretend that he is, hoping to mobilize voters who might otherwise skip the election — all while avoiding acknowledging his own role in shaping the strategy and how his unpopularity is weighing on Republican candidates in competitive races.
The Blame Game Inside the White House
Much of the friction has centered on James Blair, the longtime aide who runs Trump’s super PAC, MAGA Inc., and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, who until now had largely escaped criticism. Trump has faulted Blair’s handling of campaign funds, while some White House officials and allies have questioned Wiles’ oversight of the political operation.
As Trump questions why campaign spending has failed to improve Republican polling numbers, his advisers are blaming one another: Wiles has pointed the finger at Blair, while Blair has faulted the White House legislative affairs team, one of the people said. “What’s really happening is a circular firing squad,” the person added.
A Frenetic Schedule, Dimming Polls
Trump has embarked on a frenetic campaign schedule, crisscrossing the country for Republican candidates while largely avoiding the question of how his own standing is affecting the party’s prospects. Opinion polls suggest Democrats will win the House of Representatives, while the Senate remains too close to call.
Losing the House would hamper Trump’s legislative agenda in the final two years of his term and hand Democrats subpoena power to investigate his administration.
‘She’s Going to Be Here for a Long Time’
Despite the infighting, Trump publicly defended Wiles on Friday, calling her “smart” and “tough” and saying she would remain in her job. “Susie is here, and she’s going to be here for a long time,” he said — a notable show of support after reports that he had been asking allies whether he should replace her.
Source: Reuters