republican

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 …