‘It’s the President’s Fault’: The White House Blame Game Starts Early Ahead of the Midterms

Republican operatives privately blame Donald Trump’s decision to start a war with Iran for rising prices and a voter backlash that could cost the party control of Congress in November’s midterms. Unable to criticise Trump publicly, some in his circle are looking early for someone else to blame, with deputy chief of staff and strategist James Blair emerging as a possible scapegoat.

Blair led the 2024 turnout effort and took charge of the midterm strategy, which included redrawing congressional districts expected to bring Republicans about 10 to 15 House seats. Some newly drawn seats have since become competitive or favour Democrats: Florida’s 25th district is rated “Lean Democrat”, while Texas’s 15th is a toss-up. Blair’s allies say the Iran war and scandals disrupted his plans, and maintain he has Trump’s confidence; the White House and Blair say Republicans remain focused on winning in November.