Trump’s Strength in Primaries is Clear. The Midterms Pose a Different Test.
NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-27 10:20:00 — www.nytimes.com
Donald Trump Urges Supporters to “Pretend” He Is on the Ballot as Midterms Approach
As the general election nears, Donald Trump has placed himself at the center of Republican midterm strategy, urging his supporters to “pretend” he is on the ballot and promising to spend significant campaign cash reserves. At a recent rally in South Carolina, Trump told the crowd, “So what I really want you to do is pretend, please, that I’m on the ballot. Just come and vote.” This statement underscores his ongoing effort to mobilize Republican voters by tying their participation directly to his own political brand.
Despite his efforts to energize the party’s base, Trump’s approval rating remains low, weighed down by issues such as rising prices and an unpopular war. Democrats have made clear their intention to make the election a referendum on Trump, hoping to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction with his administration.
Trump’s influence over the Republican Party remains strong, particularly through his endorsements, social media activity, and the financial muscle of his super PAC, MAGA Inc. However, he has been notably reluctant to spend the large sums he has raised, telling reporters, “I’ll be spending a lot of that money and my own money,” even though he has not used personal funds for politics in a decade.
The president’s approach has created a dilemma for Republican candidates in competitive races. While many still seek his support to energize the party’s base, others are wary of being too closely associated with him, especially in battleground districts where swing voters could be decisive.
Trump’s actions during the primary season have also demonstrated his willingness to punish dissent within the party, investing heavily to oust Republican lawmakers who have crossed him. Yet, he has shown restraint in some battleground contests, backing down when his interventions risked jeopardizing Republican chances in the general election.
As the midterms approach, Trump’s dual role as both kingmaker and potential liability for the GOP is coming into sharper focus. His insistence that supporters “pretend” he is on the ballot highlights his determination to remain the dominant force in Republican politics, even as some candidates seek to distance themselves from his polarizing image.
The outcome of the upcoming elections may ultimately hinge on whether Trump’s strategy of personalizing the vote can overcome the broader headwinds facing his party—and whether Republican candidates can successfully navigate the challenge of appealing to both his loyal base and more skeptical swing voters.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/27/us/politics/trump-midterm-election-republicans.html