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Trump faults aides as Republican midterm prospects dim
Reuters • • world
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump is blaming senior aides and political operatives, including James Blair and Susie Wiles, for a faltering midterm strategy as Republicans struggle to retain control of Congress ahead of the November 3 elections.
- Trump has questioned campaign spending, redistricting efforts, and candidate choices, while advisers blame each other for poor polling results despite significant campaign expenditures totaling around $200 million.
- Internal tensions have risen over Blair's overseas consulting work during the campaign, which some White House officials see as a distraction, and questions about Wiles' oversight of the political operation.
- Trump continues to distance himself from political setbacks, despite having driven key strategies like redistricting and candidate selections, and maintains public support for Wiles while indicating Blair is unlikely to return to the White House post-midterms.
- Polls suggest Democrats are favored to win the House, which would limit Trump's legislative agenda and increase congressional investigations into his administration, while the Senate race remains highly competitive.
