WASHINGTON, Aug. 3 (ANI): President Donald Trump appears largely unconcerned about whether Republicans retain control of the House of Representatives and Senate in the upcoming midterm elections, with his advisers telling Axios that he could emerge “just as strong, or even stronger” within the Republican Party regardless of the outcome.
According to the Axios report, Trump would prefer a Republican victory but appears unconcerned about the possibility of Democrats taking control of Congress and launching investigations into his family, finances and policies.
A key reason, the report said, is that Trump views the post-midterm period as an opportunity to strengthen his influence over the Republican Party and shape the 2028 presidential election.
Axios said Trump is “not a share-the-stage, pass-the-torch, groom-your-successor kind of guy.” Instead, the report said, he is expected to use his political influence to maintain control over the party and shape its future leadership.
If Republicans retain the Senate, Trump could have an increasingly pro-Trump chamber, with many of his Republican critics either defeated or retired. Axios noted that Sens. Mike Lee of Utah, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Rick Scott of Florida could chair key committees if Republicans remain in control.
The House could also become more closely aligned with Trump. The report said Trump already functions as a “de facto speaker,” while some of his remaining Republican critics, including Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, could be replaced by lawmakers elected with Trump’s endorsement.
According to Axios, Trump’s influence over the Republican base would allow him to play a major role in selecting the party’s 2028 presidential nominee and shaping its political agenda.
Axios reported that Trump “wants a Vance-Rubio ticket” and is likely to get his preferred outcome if he maintains his current political influence.
The report also said potential 2028 contenders, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, would find it difficult to distance themselves from Trump while also seeking his endorsement.
Trump is also expected to use his political organization and fundraising network to maintain his influence after leaving office.
“He likes the fact that when he tells someone, ‘Give me money,’ they give him money,” one adviser told Axios.
Another adviser said Trump enjoys having Republicans continue to seek his endorsement, saying, “You’re as powerful as your bank account says you are.”
Axios reported that Trump is likely to keep alive the possibility of another presidential run in 2028 “until the bitter end,” although the report said the strategy is also intended to preserve his influence and keep potential successors such as Vance and Rubio aligned with him.
The White House is also monitoring other potential Republican contenders, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri.
The most significant confrontation after the midterm elections could center on congressional oversight, Axios reported.
The report suggested a potential constitutional clash if Trump directs members of his administration, family or associates to ignore congressional requests for information or investigations.
Axios described congressional oversight as one of the “last and most vital powers lawmakers hold dear,” setting the stage for a possible confrontation over the limits of presidential authority during Trump’s final two years in office. (ANI)
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