Trump hands reporters printed copies of his $400 million midterm spending claim

President Donald Trump introduced an unusual tactic on Tuesday, providing reporters with printed versions of a social-media post that declared the Republican Party would spend over $400 million on the upcoming midterm elections, including $300 million already used. Photographs posted by journalists showed the documents being handed out to correspondents waiting outside the Oval Office. The announcement highlighted massive expenditures on advertising, rallies, voter outreach and election-integrity efforts, which analysts say reflect the party’s struggles in traditionally safe districts, notably the Texas Senate race backing Ken Paxton.

While Republicans have outspent Democrats, polling still shows them trailing, and experts caution that money alone does not secure victories. The decision to print the post may also be tied to the recent departure of press secretary Katie Zacharia, prompting speculation about the administration’s communication strategy. Critics compared the behavior to historical leaders who isolated themselves from the press.