Republicans have a problem with President Donald Trump's priorities after recent election losses and upcoming midterm elections, according to reports on Tuesday.
Republicans are concerned about maintaining their MAGA base and asking the president to help them out on the campaign trail, Politico reports.
In response to recent Democratic wins and increased anxiety, "the requests for rallies have started rolling in."
"Depressed turnout is a persistent problem in non-presidential years. And Republicans acknowledge that Trump, whose approval ratings are underwater, can be a liability as well as an asset," according to Politico.
In Wisconsin, GOP Chair Brian Schimming told the outlet that the president's team is aware he wants Trump to visit and campaign to defend two competitive House seats and win statewide races — a state where Trump won by his thinnest margin in the 2024 presidential election. Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) faces reelection next year in his swing district.
And in Tennessee, Democrats are pushing to flip a House seat in a special election with Republican Matt Van Epps facing off against Democrat Aftyn Behn. Last week, Trump held a tele-rally for Van Epps to try and sway voters to vote for him.
Republican insiders tell the outlet that they are calling on Trump to help drive votes in the Rust and Sun Belt states.
"They said Republicans must step up their voter-outreach efforts heading into the midterms, when Democrats need only to net three House seats to regain control of the lower chamber. And they’re looking to Trump to be their triple threat — with his trademark rallies, endorsements and deep campaign coffers," according to Politico.
"Some Republicans also said Trump needs to focus less on his grievances," including gripes with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), who helped lead the bipartisan effort to draw a discharge petition and prompt the Department of Justice to release the Epstein files.
“Don’t waste your time going after Thomas Massie,” Todd Gillman, Republican Party district chair in Michigan, told Politico.
The GOP is hoping to add the Senate seat opened after Democrat Gary Peters retires and retain the House seat Rep. John James will vacate in his run for governor.
Gillman suggested that Trump “come to Michigan and fight for John James’ seat so we don’t lose it.”
