White House is clueless about 2018 electoral and legislative strategy: 'It's tough to look at the horizon'

President Donald Trump suffered intense backlash during his first calendar year in office, resulting in few legislative achievements and record low poll numbers. Top White House officials now "anticipate 2018 will be a legislative and accomplishments grind," Axios reported Saturday.

"It's tough to look out on the horizon and see another sure or easy victory," an official said.

"Complicating matters, President Trump faces a wave of staff departures, with thin pickings for replacements," Axios explained.

One potential issue is infrastructure -- that could even include "tunneling" for underground high-speed rail. Such a move could potentially receive some Democratic votes, while alienating Republicans in Congress.

Some Republican strategists wonder if President Trump should avoid passing an infrastructure bill with Democratic Party support.

"Do you really want a bipartisan issue? What is going to mobilize people to go to the polls and say. 'I have to vote for a Republican?'" a source close to the White House explained.

The “realistic prospects of losing their congressional majorities” in the 2018 midterm elections will make any accomplishment’s harder to achieve in the new year, White House officials worried.

"Most people ignore midterm elections and don't bother voting. Next year feels different: The Trump show has grabbed a sustained audience and Democrats, especially women, want it canceled ASAP," Axios explained. "This will further galvanize Democrats and polarize the two parties."