By Adam Cancryn, CNN
(CNN) – President Donald Trump’s political team recognizes that voters aren’t happy with how things are going. However, they believe they can persuade them that life will get a lot worse if Democrats regain power in November.
Top advisers for Trump are developing a campaign strategy that frames the midterms as a clear choice between the two parties’ positions, rather than simply a judgment on Trump’s presidency, according to four individuals involved in the private discussions.
This approach is fueled by internal polling showing that Republicans still have an edge over the Democratic Party regarding certain key issues, even as many Americans have grown dissatisfied with Trump and his overall performance.
Chief of staff Susie Wiles and James Blair, who is leaving the White House to lead Trump’s political efforts, were among those who discussed this strategy during a meeting with close allies at Washington’s Waldorf Astoria hotel earlier this week.
“[Democrats] want to make it a referendum on, ‘Do you think everything is perfect?’” one participant said while explaining the overall message. “For us, it’s about whether you want to move forward and continue the successful work or go back to high inflation and increased crime?”
Republicans are looking for ways to maintain their congressional majorities despite facing several challenges, including an unpopular war overseas and widespread voter frustration over rising living costs.
The situation appeared to worsen on Tuesday night after Virginia voters approved a redistricting measure that could give Democrats four more congressional seats in November. Currently, Republicans hold 217 seats in the House compared to 213 for Democrats, with one independent caucusing with the GOP.
The plans from Trump’s team seem to acknowledge that he has lost considerable support among voters over the past year and indicate that more effort should focus on criticizing Democrats. Discussions regarding Trump’s declining approval ratings did not take center stage during the Waldorf meeting, according to those present.
Instead, advisers emphasized highlighting popular GOP policy achievements while painting Democrats as obstructive without any substantial agenda of their own.
“It’s all forward looking and it’s not really about the White House,” noted another person in attendance. They described one key element of this strategy as warning voters that if Democrats gain control of either chamber of Congress, “it means gridlock; it means nothing gets done at all. And we don’t believe that’s what the American public wants.”
There are several areas where Trump’s advisers see weaknesses in Democrats’ positions-such as their blanket opposition to last year’s GOP tax policies called “the big, beautiful bill”-as well as issues related to border security and crime rates.
However, advisers recognized that a significant hurdle remains connecting individual Democrats to some of the party’s most unpopular aspects because there isn’t a clear leader representing its agenda right now.
The White House did not respond when asked for comments. In an indication of heightened secrecy around Trump’s political operations, attendees at Monday’s meeting were asked to sign nondisclosure agreements per reports from individuals present.
Blair confirmed this NDA policy-first reported by The Washington Post-telling CNN they were needed “because we’re running an operation, not a social club.”
A few attendees included Chris La Civita-a top GOP operative involved in steering Trump’s 2024 campaign-longtime Trump adviser Jason Miller; and pollster Tony Fabrizio from his campaign.
This session was just one part of ongoing private meetings led by Blair and Wiles recently while preparing for what Trump has characterized as a vital midterm cycle for his presidency’s future.
If Republicans lose their slim majority in the House, both Trump and GOP allies have warned it would effectively bring his administration’s agenda to a standstill while opening up numerous investigations-including possible new impeachment attempts.
Initially, Trump’s team had plans for him to be on tour almost every week promoting Republican candidates and showcasing his achievements specifically targeting lower-turnout supporters crucial for votes come November.
This early plan faced disruption due to Trump’s decision involving Iran which started into conflict lasting two months without clear resolution. This ongoing war has further diminished both Trump’s standing politically along with creating affordability issues by pushing gas prices above $4 per gallon-impacts felt across broader economic conditions too.
Advisers have downplayed concerns surrounding this conflict even amid growing worries throughout many parts of Republican circles insisting instead midterm races will largely hinge upon domestic voter priorities. As efforts begin winding down military engagements though; electoral planning speed within Trump’s team has picked up again rapidly since then too!
This month saw announcement stating Blair intends temporarily stepping away from White House duties aiming towards leading president’s outside funding initiatives – deemed critical aligning various activities across party lines effectively according allies’ descriptions here!
Alex Meyer-a former senior official within previous campaigns-is also anticipated leaving administration shortly focusing efforts externally alongside these endeavors noted by familiar sources alike!
Such staffing changes sparked renewed speculation among GOP operatives concerning strategies planned deploying nearly $350 million amassed so far through MAGA Inc., central super PAC associated directly tied president himself!
MAGA Inc.’s representatives haven’t shared extensive details yet regarding spending plans particularly focused enhancing House/Senate candidates nor timing expected rollout phases relating investments made therein much!
The-CNN-Wire
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