Trump Advisers Frame Midterms as Party Platform Choice

Advisers to Donald Trump are developing a midterm election strategy that frames the November contests as a choice between party platforms rather than a referendum on the presidency. During a meeting at the Waldorf Astoria hotel, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and James Blair outlined a plan to portray Democrats as obstructionists and warn of economic decline and legislative gridlock.

This approach follows internal polling indicating Republicans maintain a trust advantage on key issues, despite a decline in the president's overall approval. The strategy aims to counter headwinds caused by a two-month war in Iran, which has driven up gas prices and increased voter dissatisfaction. Additionally, the campaign faces a challenge in Virginia, where a redistricting referendum may grant Democrats up to four additional congressional seats.

To execute this plan, James Blair and Alex Meyer are expected to depart the White House to lead outside political operations. These efforts will be supported by the MAGA Inc. super PAC, which has raised nearly $350 million for the midterm cycle.