Trump’s aides abandon attempts to curb his agenda as midterms loom
According to insiders, top White House officials, Republican lawmakers and major donors have concluded that arguing with President Trump is futile and now simply go along with his decisions. His second term has featured costly projects such as a $400 million White House ballroom, an aggressive war stance toward Iran and sweeping tariffs, all of which have drawn sharp criticism. Facing a likely Republican loss in the upcoming midterms, the party is debating whether to spotlight Trump in a two-day convention in Dallas, while many legislators distance themselves from his low-approval image.
Inside the administration, senior staff, elected Republicans and key donors admit they no longer attempt to dissuade President Trump from pursuing policies they view as disastrous, acknowledging that his 80-year-old self-assertion makes such efforts pointless. Over his second term, initiatives like a $400 million White House ballroom, an aggressive posture toward Iran and extensive tariff regimes have sparked widespread backlash.
Anticipating severe losses for the GOP in the November 3 midterms, party strategists are considering a high-profile campaign that includes millions in TV ads, daily rallies in swing districts and a two-day convention in Dallas headlined by Trump. Yet dozens of Republican lawmakers are shunning the event, hoping to protect their own electoral prospects. While some advisers warn that Trump still wields considerable influence over the party and national politics, others view his continued prominence as a strategic error given his historically low approval ratings.
How this story developed
- Aug 15 Trump aides say president reluctant to campaign for down-ballot Republicans
- Sep 10 Trump said the war will cease immediately after the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.
- Sep 10 Several GOP lawmakers publicly questioned the feasibility and fiscal impact of the dividend.
- Sep 10 Fetterman recorded the video standing before a steel mill and labeled himself a “common‑sense Democrat” opposing socialism and extreme politics.
- Sep 10 At the closing day of the GOP midterm convention in Dallas, Donald Trump and JD Vance promoted a $5,000 payment to every adult if Republicans keep Congress, while legal battles over Missouri’s congressional map and mail-ballot rules continued.
- Sep 11 Vice President JD Vance took the main speaking slot, signaling a potential succession plan ahead of the November vote.
- Sep 11 Trump said he would repeat his decision to go to war with Iran.
- Sep 11 Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa voiced support for a universal $5,000 payout while insisting it should not be conditioned on the midterm results.
- Sep 11 Vance hinted at a possible 2028 presidential bid.
- Sep 11 Analysts reclassified the contest as a toss‑up with Talarico outspending Paxton by roughly seven‑fold.
- Sep 12 Some GOP candidates chose to skip the convention, distancing themselves from Trump.
- Sep 12 Trump said tariff revenue would fund the payout and that the Iran conflict would conclude after the midterm election.
- Sep 14 Rep. Mike Lawler said a funding source must be identified for the proposed payout.
- Sep 14 Republican candidates have also entered secretary of state races in Arizona and Wisconsin.
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