Donald Trump has pledged to spend the final month before November's US midterm elections campaigning intensively for Republican candidates, telling party members at a White House Rose Garden dinner that he will focus on 35 key races. Speaking to lawmakers, he urged vulnerable Republicans to campaign on his record in office, arguing they had a strong story to tell voters on the economy, drug prices and border security, even as polling suggests the party faces a difficult path to retaining control of Congress.

Trump said he would hold events, including "tele-town halls", for up to 10 candidates a night, while jokingly asking safe incumbents such as House Speaker Mike Johnson not to request his help. He highlighted contested Senate races in Alaska and Texas, defending Texas candidate Ken Paxton despite mockery of his appearance, and acknowledged that midterms typically go against the sitting president's party. A Daily Mail/JL Partners poll from July found voters favoured Democrats by more than nine points, and Trump admitted uncertainty over whether his supporters would turn out without him on the ballot, though Republicans continue to outpace Democrats in fundraising.