Trump Political Team Holds Strategy Meeting Ahead of Midterms

President Donald Trump’s top political advisers met at the Four Seasons hotel in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday afternoon to plan for the Nov. 3 midterm elections. The gathering was the second in a series of regular conclaves designed to coordinate the Republican Party, its candidates, and the president’s political operation.

Attendees included White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, political operations chief James Blair, and longtime pollster Tony Fabrizio. Also present were Chris LaCivita, a former campaign co-manager, and Joe Gruters, the chair of the Republican National Committee. Several Cabinet officials joined the discussion, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio remained in Manila for official business.

The group reviewed internal polling data and discussed how to deploy approximately $530 million held by the Republican National Committee and a pro-Trump super PAC. Discussions also touched on funding from the nonprofit group Securing American Greatness, which insiders say holds hundreds of millions in dark money.

Republican officials acknowledged that retaining control of the U.S. House will be difficult. Polls show declining approval ratings for the president amid rising gas prices and the ongoing war in Iran. Voters also express skepticism about the state of the economy, with many blaming the administration's policies for financial struggles.

Despite these challenges, Trump’s operatives pointed to recent redistricting efforts that could net the GOP 10 additional House seats. They believe the election will focus on voter dissatisfaction with Democratic policies rather than support for the president. The strategy relies on framing the contest as a choice between opposing ideologies rather than a referendum on the current administration.

"Voters feel that Trump's economic policies have made things worse — because they have," said John Anzalone, a Democratic pollster. An operative involved in the meeting countered that tax cuts have saved money and claimed the team has the resources to deliver its message.