President Donald Trump has begun shaping the 2026 midterm elections nearly two years before voters head to the polls, sending instructions to candidates, calling advisers and urging Republicans to stick closely to his economic message. His activity has triggered concern inside the party as inflation and rising household costs continue to dominate voter sentiment, according to Republican strategists involved in the planning.
Although he will not appear on any ballot, Trump has treated the midterm contests as a personal test of his leadership. People familiar with the conversations said he started pressing Republican lawmakers as early as the summer to remain in their current seats rather than seek higher office. The aim, they said, was to prevent primary fights that could weaken the party before the general election.
Political historians say such deep involvement so early in the cycle is rare. Bill Galston, who served as a senior adviser in the Clinton White House, said presidents normally wait until campaigns mature before stepping in. He described the level of engagement as highly unusual.
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Trump intensified his efforts after state and local elections on four November, when exit polls showed voters were frustrated with the rising cost of living. A White House official familiar with the president’s reaction said he told aides that Republicans must present themselves as the party most committed to easing everyday expenses.
The official said Trump reminded his team that he returned to the Oval Office with a promise to tackle inflation. He argued that Republicans have a responsibility to highlight progress on prices, particularly in areas where his administration claims improvements. The same official said Trump remained firm that affordability sits at the centre of his economic agenda.
Trump’s advisers said he pushed for faster economic measures and supported the recent removal of several tariffs on goods such as beef, coffee and fruit in an attempt to ease grocery bills. Costs have continued to climb across the United States, and Trump’s economic approach has faced scrutiny because earlier tariff waves contributed to price increases.
Another adviser said the president has been requesting regular updates on polling, fundraising and voter sentiment. He frequently phones political allies and meets senior aides to monitor the shape of Senate and House races.
The early push comes as Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 38 per cent, the lowest reading this year in a Reuters Ipsos survey published on eighteen November. Analysts said the drop reflects public frustration with the price of fuel, food and housing.
Republican strategists believe Trump’s involvement will grow as the midterms approach, particularly if economic indicators remain tense. Party officials expect him to continue steering messaging while he works to keep Congress in Republican hands.
