White House taps Cabinet to campaign, urges muted stances ahead of midterms, reports say
President Donald Trump has directed Cabinet members and senior aides to campaign in competitive districts ahead of November’s midterm elections, urging them to promote popular parts of his agenda and avoid polarizing positions, Politico reported.
The move is aimed at limiting Republican losses in a year when presidents historically see setbacks in their sixth year, the report said. Politico quoted administration officials as saying the plan calls for Cabinet members to focus on achievements such as tax cuts rather than contentious issues.
Politico reported that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been told to downplay vaccine skepticism and emphasize issues like nutrition. The outlet said Kennedy—who has clashed with agency officials—has been asked to concentrate on the more popular aspects of his “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.
Axios reported that Cabinet members will be urged to spotlight specific policy wins. Media reports cited by outlets say Trump has considered personnel moves, including removing FBI Director Kash Patel and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, but that plans to oust national intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard were dropped after discussion with aides.
The New York Times reported that deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller has curtailed some public appearances while continuing to push hardline immigration measures in less visible ways. And political analyst Charlie Cook said the GOP faces losses but not the kind of wave Democrats have enjoyed in prior midterms; Cook noted only a limited number of Republican-held seats are rated highly competitive, according to his analysis.
Source: Original Article
