Trump invites battleground Republicans to Rose Garden dinner

Key Points:

• President Donald Trump is hosting a White House dinner for GOP lawmakers, including those in competitive races, to encourage support ahead of the November midterm elections, with the event planned for the Rose Garden.
• At least several dozen Republican lawmakers have been invited, including Wisconsin Rep. Derrick Van Orden, Michigan Rep. Tom Barrett, and Georgia Senate nominee Rep. Mike Collins, as the party prepares for the upcoming GOP midterm convention in Dallas.
• Republicans face electoral challenges due to issues like the war in Iran, rising gas prices, and tariffs, and GOP incumbents are seeking additional funding to counter Democratic attacks on cost-of-living concerns.
• Trump's political group, MAGA Inc., has yet to heavily spend its $400 million war chest on GOP candidates but recently supported Sen. Darlene Graham in her primary and is expected to increase spending for candidates like Ken Paxton in Texas.
• Concurrently, Trump's nonprofit, Securing American Greatness, is launching a nearly $1 million national TV ad campaign featuring endorsements and policy highlights aimed at boosting Trump's approval before the midterms.