Trump to use PAC millions to aid vulnerable Republicans in midterms

US President Donald Trump has approved plans to deploy millions of dollars from his personal political action committee to help vulnerable Republican candidates in the November midterm elections, CNN has reported, as the party worries that the Iran war and high gas prices could hurt voter turnout. The first tranche is expected to be around $30 million, one person familiar with the discussions told CNN. Trump is also planning to hold at least one rally a week in battleground districts.

Republican advisers privately acknowledge that retaining both the House and Senate is becoming increasingly difficult. The party’s strategy is to focus on turning out Trump supporters who vote in presidential elections but often skip midterms, rather than winning over independents. Battleground states including Michigan, Ohio and North Carolina are key. Advisers have told Trump that the prolonged Iran war and rising fuel prices are hurting the party’s prospects, though Trump has continued to defend the war.

White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales said Trump remains committed to protecting Republican majorities and will campaign on his administration’s record. Trump’s political team is led by longtime allies such as James Blair and Chris LaCivita, with chief of staff Susie Wiles involved. A Democratic takeover of either chamber would mean tougher congressional battles for the final two years of Trump’s presidency, according to one source.