Trump summons swing-district Republicans to Rose Garden dinner ahead of midterms

Donald Trump plans to host a Rose Garden dinner on Wednesday, extending invitations to a broad slate of Republican lawmakers, including members facing competitive elections. Sources say at least several dozen legislators have been asked, and Representatives Derrick Van Orden and Tom Barrett have confirmed their intent to join. The gathering arrives amid growing pressure from party officials for Trump to tap his $400 million war chest to aid GOP candidates before the November ballot.

While some lawmakers are expected to attend, others may skip the event in favor of campaigning or family time, as illustrated by Barrett’s decision to forgo the upcoming Dallas convention. The White House has not issued a comment on the invitation list. Trump’s political operation, MAGA Inc., has so far contributed little from its fund, though it recently supported Senator Darline Graham in a primary and Republicans hope it will back Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against a well-funded Democratic challenger.