Republicans fret as Trump’s erratic moves stir turmoil ahead of midterms

With weeks left before the November 3 midterms, Republican officials warn that President Donald Trump’s erratic behavior is undermining their electoral plans. Recent actions include announcing and then scrapping a livestreamed military execution, appointing a new White House press secretary only to dismiss them shortly after, and striking a deal with Vladimir Putin that critics say undermines Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trump has also targeted senators such as Tom Cotton and John Cornyn, as well as strategist Karl Rove, for deviating from his agenda, creating further friction within the party. A senior GOP operative said the constant need to react to Trump’s moves leaves the campaign “flat-footed.” one outlet/Ipsos poll found that 86 % of Americans, including 80 % of Republicans, consider the use of taxpayer funds for Trump-focused TV ads inappropriate. Some Senate candidates in tight races, including Ashley Hinson, Mike Rogers and Dan Sullivan, have voiced opposition to the president’s plan to import Russian diesel.