Trump and GOP plot strategy

Axios
by Kate Santaliz
March 10, 2026
6 views
2 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

President Trump's advisors are urging House Republicans to campaign on Democratic positions on taxes, crime, and border security for 2026.

How This Affects You

This strategy aims to influence the 2026 midterm elections, potentially affecting the legislative agenda and policies that impact your daily life.

AI Summary

President Trump's top advisers are urging House Republicans to frame the 2026 midterm elections as a choice between parties, focusing on Democratic positions on taxes, crime, and border security. During a House GOP retreat in Doral, Florida, White House Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair advised lawmakers to emphasize deporting violent offenders rather than "mass deportations." This strategy aims to counter historical trends where midterms often serve as referendums on the incumbent president's party. With a significant cash advantage and a smaller number of competitive districts, Republicans seek to retain control of the House by contrasting their agenda with the Democratic Party's national brand. This approach suggests a deliberate effort to shift the midterm narrative away from President Trump's favorability ratings, which remain in the low 40s.

What's Being Done

President Trump's advisers are urging House Republicans to campaign on Democratic positions for the 2026 midterms.

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