GOP Accepts Trump-Focused Midterm Strategy

President Trump is pushing to make the Nov. 3 midterms a referendum on himself, and Republican operatives say they have little power to stop him.

• 79% — Trump's approval among Republicans, a second-term low.
• 59 days remain before the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
• Trump stars in his operation's first two midterm ads, 'Toughest Guy' and 'Tax Cut Prices.'
• MAGA Inc. super PAC has funded few competitive midterm candidates so far.

Why it matters: Republican officials believe opposing Trump's strategy would cost them credibility and seats, leaving them bound to a candidate-centered campaign they did not design.

• 'We have no choice,' a top Republican campaign official told Axios. 'We're stuck on the boat with him.'

How 11 sources split on this story

What’s next: Trump is scheduled to speak both nights at next week's Dallas midterm convention.

• The convention is already projected to draw low ratings, according to Axios.
• Will MAGA Inc. spending shift to competitive House and Senate races in time to affect outcomes?
• How much does Trump's approval-rating slide among Republicans translate into general-election vulnerability for down-ballot candidates?