Welcome to From the Politics Desk, a daily newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics team’s latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail.
In today’s edition, senior national political reporter Sahil Kapur examines how Trump is responding to Republican candidates trying to separate themselves from him as we approach the midterms. Plus, senior reporter Alexander Smith explores a significant issue in European politics that mirrors some recent trends in U. S. politics – connections between domestic right-wing parties and Russia.
– Scott Bland
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As Republicans break with Trump, one gets a brushback
Analysis by Sahil Kapur
With President Donald Trump‘s approval rating falling and voters leaning towards Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, many Republican candidates have tried to distance themselves from him – removing his name from their websites, publicly opposing aspects of his policies like the Iran war, and more. For most part, Trump has taken it in stride, often downplaying these cautious moves by allies to his critics within the party. However, Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar stands out; she’s a three-term Florida Republican representing a Miami-area district. Just last week, she released an ad filmed outside the White House directly criticizing Trump’s immigration policy. “Mr. President, some of your immigration enforcement efforts have gone too far,” she states in the ad while looking into the camera and adding that “the same Hispanics who helped you get to the White House in 2024 feel betrayed today.” Salazar has good reason for concern even though she won her last two elections comfortably and Trump won her district easily in 2024. The area is predominantly Hispanic at 74%. From 2020 to 2024, Trump gained substantial support among Hispanic voters nationwide according to exit polls. But his approval ratings have dropped sharply since then. In fact, current NBC News polling shows Latino voters disapproving of Trump by a ratio of 2 to 1. Other Republicans are feeling uneasy as well. According to NBC News polling averages, Trump’s national approval rating stands at just 39% (roughly 20 points under water), down from about 50% (around five points above water) at the beginning of his second term. In light of this situation, Republican candidates have been distancing themselves on issues like Iran and gas prices over recent weeks. Yet it was Salazar who bore the brunt of Trump’s backlash. This past weekend on Truth Social, Trump shared over a dozen posts attacking Salazar. One commenter said “She’s openly pro-amnesty.” Another wrote “She tried a stunt and it backfired!” A third called her “nothing but a back stabber.” One more suggested “Trump must remove his endorsement from her,” while another urged for her replacement with a “new” Republican. This serves as a cautionary message to other Republicans not to cross him or face similar public criticism among his dedicated supporters-who are vital for GOP turnout come November. What remains unclear is where exactly that line lies. Salazar’s open confrontation on television-which has always been Trump’s favored platform-seemed to cross it.But gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds did not breach this line when he omitted references to Trump from his website; instead, Trump dismissed this distancing on social media.
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa also avoided crossing it when she voted recently for a Democratic resolution aimed at ending the Iran war; likewise Rep. Ashley Hinson of Iowa stated last week that an end was needed for that conflict. On Monday , Trump hosted Iowa lawmakers including Miller-Meeks and Hinson in an Oval Office meeting where they announced plans for new steel manufacturing facility in Iowa.“We’re going to do a great rally. We’ll all be there together. We have , to get you all elected,”said trump.“We’ll save you, a good Iowa pork chop sir,”Hinson added.Does Europe’s far right have Kremlin ties ?
By Alexander Smith
Europe ’s far-right parties continue gaining traction , appearing ready capitalize on growing anti-establishment sentiments leading them towards power across various countries soon enough. As concerns grow over potential sabotage attacks along with cyber threats emerging out Russia , this revived right finds itself facing scrutiny regarding historical connections made previously with Kremlin -alongside inquiries about future dealings anticipated between them both.This month saw an interesting shift coming forth from Marine Le Pen , a prominent figure representing France ’s far-right movement-and currently leading polls heading into next year ’s presidential race.
Joining forces alongside Jordan Bardella-another key leader within National Rally party-Le Pen stated unequivocally she’d “never tolerate”Russia using “intimidation , threats , destabilization or psychological pressure”to sway French policy directions.
Furthermore they condemned Moscow taking control over French companies along those lines as being hostile acts undermining both France’s interests & European nations’ which need firm condemnation across board.
Notably Le Pen’s rhetoric marks considerable evolution since only years prior when admiration expressed publicly toward Vladimir Putin overshadowed existing threats posed by Moscow while dealing heavily loaning about €9 million ($10 million) secured through Russian bank had created controversy surrounding her party funding source ‘
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🗞️ Today’s other top stories
📺 And now, your tax dollars: Trump administration launched new this past weekend part ongoing PSA initiative stating clearly funded via U. S. government while closely mirroring ads seen promoting Trumps own campaign efforts aimed towards election cycle. In total they’ve spent approximately $1.7 million thus far based solely upon expenditure related advertorial production involving himself alone. Read More→⚙️Steel yourself : President announced plans establishing $15 billion steel mill located Iowa Monday morning! Read More→📈Five weeks remain until midterms: Stock market dipped yesterday amidst rising bond yields combined alongside increasing oil prices triggered geopolitical uncertainties affecting investor sentiment overall. Read More→⚖️Sitting one out: Conservative Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito announced intention withdrawing participation involving major climate case amid calls demanding recusal stemming stock ownership tied directly into oil industries affected legislation pending review courts process now underway! Read More→🤖Not A-team concerning AI : Despite warnings suggesting artificial intelligence might pose existential risks soon upcoming legislative sessions will find some lawmakers lacking confidence regarding ability effectively regulate such advanced technologies successfully preventing potential crises occurring down road ahead!! Read More→💲Branch battle : Last Friday White House disclosed intention cutbacks amounting around $810 million related bipartisan funding already approved Congress inciting backlash reaction legislators spanning across multiple political factions alike!! Read More→ That’s all From The Politics Desk so far. Today’s newsletter compiled Scott Bland. If feedback please send us thoughts either way email address provided below politicsnewsletter@nbcuni. comAnd if enjoy sharing info fans anyone able sign up here too !
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