President Donald Trump’s aides report that he has limited interest in campaigning for Republican candidates ahead of the November midterms, focusing instead on construction projects in Washington.
Trump is scheduled to begin a tour to energize MAGA voters, according to CNN. However, aides note that supporting other Republican candidates is a separate issue.
“He loves to travel, but he hates to travel,” one aide said. “Once he’s traveling, he’s like: ‘Why am I doing this? I want to be doing other things.’”
Trump is putting money behind GOP candidates
Trump has approved the use of millions from his personal political action committee to help vulnerable Republican candidates in November.
The move comes as Republicans risk losing control of Congress. One Trump adviser told CNN the party needs to turn presidential-election voters into reliable participants in congressional races.
“Without a doubt, we’ve got to make sure we get some of these voters who show up for Donald Trump in presidential elections to show up for these congressionals,” the adviser said.
The president campaigned in Long Island, New York, on Friday, where he sought to boost Republicans including gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman in his race against Gov. Kathy Hochul. During the event, Trump frequently shifted focus from the races to other topics.
GOP lawmakers are worried about November
Republicans remain cautious as Trump’s approval has declined due to voter concerns about high prices, gas costs and the war in Iran. Recent polls indicate challenges even among his traditional base.
Some GOP lawmakers are concerned that Trump could become a liability rather than an asset in the midterms.
Trump, however, has already indicated that he does not intend to accept responsibility if Republicans perform poorly. Speaking to Punchbowl News, he argued that voters may be frustrated with the party without directing that anger toward him.
“The question is, will they vote?” Trump said. “They’re angry at Republicans, but they’re not angry at me.”
Olivia Wales, a White House spokeswoman, however, told The Daily Beast: “President Trump is the unequivocal leader of the Republican Party who is committed to maintaining Republicans’ majority in Congress.”
His attention keeps drifting to construction projects
Trump’s construction projects have also become a recurring subject of his public remarks.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has reportedly urged staff to keep Trump focused on affordability, an area where his administration has struggled. However, he often shifts to discussing his building and renovation plans.
These projects include the proposed White House ballroom, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and the planned “Arc de Trump.” His focus on Washington construction has become more apparent as Republicans prepare for a challenging election cycle.
Trump’s team is pushing Republicans toward a different message
According to Axios, Trump’s political team has encouraged Republicans to adopt a new message on health care.
At an August 5 briefing with Senate Republicans, Trump advisers reported that internal testing showed a GOP message focused on insurer profits, claim denials and delays in patient care provided a 46-point advantage over Democrats.
In comparison, messaging around the SAVE Act resulted in only a 14-point advantage in testing.
