Trump questions aides over Republican midterm strategy as key races tighten
Reuters reports that Donald Trump is challenging campaign spending, redistricting and candidate choices ahead of the November 3 congressional elections.
US President Donald Trump is questioning senior aides and political operatives about Republican campaign spending, redistricting and candidate choices ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, Reuters reported on October 17. Its account of the internal discussions rests on three people familiar with them, as Republicans fight to retain control of Congress.
Trump is not on the ballot, but he has repeatedly urged supporters to act as though he is, seeking to turn out voters who might otherwise skip the election, Reuters reported. He has been campaigning while reminding audiences that a president’s party typically struggles in midterms. Reuters also reported that he helped devise or drive some of the strategies he is now questioning, including redistricting and candidate choices shaped by his loyalties or grievances.
Spending and Texas redistricting draw questions
Trump has asked why Republican polling in pivotal races has not improved despite MAGA Inc. campaign spending that public records put at about $200 million so far, according to Reuters. One person familiar with the discussions said it was unclear whether Trump would approve more spending before the election.
Two people told Reuters that Trump pressed aides in the preceding week to explain why the redistricting effort he pushed had not produced clearer Republican gains. Texas is a particular concern: the Republican map is designed to gain seats, but that strategy depends in part on Hispanic voters turning out as they did in 2024. Polling cited by Reuters suggests that support may be difficult to repeat amid concerns about living costs and Trump’s handling of the economy.
White House aides respond to reports of tension
Reuters reported tension involving political adviser James Blair and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. Two people familiar with the White House thought Blair was unlikely to return after the midterms. White House spokesman Davis Ingle rejected the sources’ characterization, Blair called the claims ‘mudslinging,’ and Trump publicly defended Wiles on October 16. Another person close to the White House credited Wiles with keeping the administration operating effectively.
Losing the House could impede Trump’s agenda and give Democrats subpoena power, Reuters reported. Republicans also worry that the Texas map could leave some incumbents more vulnerable as they try to defend their congressional majority.
The cost of living is also shaping a separate dispute within Trump’s party. Bloomberg reported that Republican lawmakers criticised his waiver of Russia sanctions and tariffs after a diesel-export deal intended to ease fuel prices ahead of the midterms. Senators Ted Cruz and Thom Tillis were among those urging continued pressure on Russia.
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Sources and context
- Trump faults aides as Republican midterm prospects dimThe Straits Times (Reuters)
- Trump’s Russia sanctions waiver called mistake by Republican Party alliesThe Straits Times (Bloomberg)
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.