US President Donald Trump has reportedly approved plans to deploy millions of dollars from his personal political action committee (PAC), a fundraising vehicle for his political activities, to help vulnerable Republicans in the November midterm elections, while preparing to step up his own campaign appearances as concerns mount within the GOP over retaining control of Congress.Trump’s political team is still deciding how much to spend, with one person familiar with the discussions putting the first tranche at around $30 million, asquoted by CNN. The money is expected to start flowing in the coming weeks, marking a late push by the president with the midterms now about three months away.The move comes as Republican advisers privately acknowledge that keeping both the House and Senate is becoming increasingly difficult. The party faces a tough political backdrop, with the Iran war and high gas prices emerging as major concerns over their potential impact on voter turnout.“There is a path where we keep the House and the Senate,” one source told CNN. “I’m not in a place today where I’m prepared to say we’re cautiously optimistic about that.”Trump is also planning to travel at least once a week to hold rallies in battleground districts, according to an adviser. The president’s team had promised a more active campaign schedule months ago, but domestic issues and the Iran war disrupted those plans.
Trump turns to MAGA base
With Trump’s approval ratings near new lows, his advisers see little scope for winning over large numbers of independent and swing voters. Instead, they believe the Republican strategy must focus on turning out Trump supporters who vote in presidential elections but often skip midterms.“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,” one adviser said.Republicans are particularly focused on battlegrounds such as Michigan, Ohio and North Carolina, where closely fought House and Senate races could determine control of Congress.But the party’s campaign is being complicated by voter concerns over affordability. Advisers have told Trump that the prolonged Iran war and its impact on fuel prices are hurting Republicans, with high gas prices becoming a visible reminder of broader economic pressures.“It’s higher prices; that’s what they’re upset about,” one adviser said.Trump has nevertheless continued to defend the Iran war and has appeared reluctant to make the midterms a central focus. “I don’t have to be supporting all the people. You know, I have a busy schedule,” he said recently. “I said to somebody, ‘I won. I’m not campaigning.’”His advisers insist he understands what is at stake. A Democratic takeover of either chamber would mean tougher congressional battles for the final two years of his presidency, including the possibility of investigations and clashes similar to those during his first term.“The next two years will be f*cking horrible if we lose both chambers. And Trump knows that,” one source said.The White House, meanwhile, said Trump remains committed to protecting Republican majorities and would campaign on his administration’s record while drawing a contrast with Democrats.“President Trump is the unequivocal leader of the Republican party who is committed to maintaining Republicans’ majority in Congress,” White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales said.The Trump political operation is being led by a group of longtime allies, including James Blair, Chris LaCivita, Taylor Budowich, Timothy Saler and Tony Fabrizio, with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles also involved in the strategy. The team is relying heavily on voter data to identify and mobilise Trump’s core supporters.The strategy also comes as Republicans seek to benefit from congressional redistricting and a recent Supreme Court ruling that loosened limits on campaign spending on individual candidates. Trump and his allies believe those changes could improve the party’s ability to defend its narrow majorities.
