Trump's midterm strategy falters as top allies turn on each other and advisors feel the heat
WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump’s top allies are reportedly turning on each other over misaligned midterm strategies as the president is blaming senior aides and political operatives, questioning campaign spending, and faulting redistricting.
Although he is not on the ballot, the president is repeatedly asking his voters to pretend as if he is on the ballot to mobilize voters who might otherwise skip the election.
Trump raises questions on spending strategy as top aides trade blame
According to three people familiar with inside conversations, cited by Reuters in a report published on Saturday, October 17, Trump is also second-guessing the choice of candidates for seats as the GOP is in the battle to protect its paper-thin majority in the Senate and House of Representatives.
Top two Trump operatives, who could reportedly be under fire, are James Blair, who heads the MAGA Inc. Super PAC, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
Trump has reportedly been asking Blair how the $200 million from MAGA Inc has been spent. One person who talked to the outlet also suggested that Trump might not allow further funds going forward just weeks before midterm elections on November 3.
Wiles, who has largely escaped criticism until now, has come under scrutiny as some White House officials and allies have questioned her oversight of the political operation.
As Trump questions top officials over campaign spending that has failed to improve Republican polling numbers, his advisors are also blaming one another.
One of the sources has revealed that Wiles has pointed fingers at Blair, and Blair has found his scapegoat in the White House legislative affairs team.
"What's really happening is a circular firing squad," the person said.
Where Trump stands with Susie Wiles and James Blair
Trump has publicly defended Wiles, pushing back on reports that he is weighing to replace her.
Trump’s statement on Wiles came on Friday. He called her "smart" and "tough" and said that she would remain in her job. "Susie is here, and she's going to be here for a long time," he said.
Trump has also had some public friction with Blair. In October 7, he said that he would fire Blair and fellow advisor Chris LaCivita if they had any conflicts of interest after the two traveled to Republika Srpska, a self-governing region of Bosnia, to advise on local elections. Trump reportedly saw the trip as a distraction.
“I do not have any idea who else they work for but will, on reflection, ask them and, if there’s a conflict, I will terminate them, immediately!” he wrote on Truth Social.
“All of this mudslinging is ridiculous, and counterproductive. President Trump and me are focused on helping Republicans win in November. Every other Republican should be doing the same,” James Blair told Reuters in a statement.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle also pushed back on the reporting, saying the sources are “armchair experts peddling their baseless speculation.”
