President Donald Trump pledged to campaign in 35 key races ahead of the midterm elections, vowing to visit all battlegrounds and bolster Republican candidates despite his low approval ratings. The promise came during a Rose Garden dinner for GOP lawmakers, where he discussed the economy and Iran war while defending his party’s chances.
President Donald Trump made a high-stakes commitment to the Republican Party during a Rose Garden dinner for congressional lawmakers, vowing to campaign in all 35 races that could determine control of Congress. The event, described as an end of summer BBQ
with cheeseburgers and yellow gingham menus, featured Trump’s most direct public assurances yet of his support for GOP candidates facing tough re-election battles.
Trump’s 35-Race Pledge and the Midterm Battlegrounds
Trump explicitly tied his campaign efforts to the 35 races he said would decide congressional control, a number echoed across multiple sources. I’m going to go to every one of those 35 places, and we’re going to see if we can get everyone elected,
Trump declared, citing a travel schedule ahead of his own White House victory two years ago.
The Rose Garden Dinner: A Political Showpiece
The gathering, held in the Rose Garden—a space Trump has controversially renovated—highlighted his continued influence over the GOP. Attendees included lawmakers from competitive districts, such as Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Tom Barrett. Trump framed the event as a strategic move, saying, It’s all about 35 races… We are going to see if we can get everyone elected.
Trump also reiterated his claim that all modern presidents lose midterms, a pattern he vowed to break. Whether you’re a good president or a great president, you lose the midterms,
he said. We’re going to turn that around because there’s no reason for it.
The remark underscored his broader narrative that GOP losses are not inevitable, even as his own approval ratings remain low.
PAC Funding and the Midterm Strategy
Trump’s pledge comes as his super PAC, MAGA Inc., boasts a war chest of more than $400 million, according to recent campaign finance reports. Republican candidates in tight races have expressed hope that the funds will be directed toward their campaigns. I’m not affected by the election,
Trump said in the Oval Office, emphasizing his role as a party supporter rather than a candidate.
The timing of his commitment aligns with the final 30 days of the campaign season, a period Trump has historically used to energize voters. He hinted at a busy schedule, saying, I’ll be making a lot of stops,
and specifically mentioned Alaska and Texas. He added that he will also stump for a few governors, though noting, we’re interested in the Senate, and we’re interested in the House.
Trump’s Approval Ratings and the Iran War
Despite his assurances, Trump’s public approval remains fragile. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released in late August showed 33% of Americans approved of his performance, the lowest of his career. The Iran war, which has disrupted global oil supplies and raised U.S. energy prices, has further eroded support.
He emphasized economic investment and lower drug prices, though sources noted he used significantly inflated figures
to support his claims. This approach mirrors his travel schedule ahead of his own White House victory two years ago.
What Comes Next: The Road to November
With the midterms approaching, Trump’s commitment to the 35 races signals a shift in focus for the GOP. His appearance on both nights of the Republican Party’s unusual midterm convention next week will be a key test of his influence. Analysts note that his ability to energize voters in competitive districts could determine whether the party preserves its narrow majorities.
For now, Trump’s message remains clear: the midterms are a pivotal moment for the GOP, and he is positioning himself as the party’s most powerful ally. All you have to do is talk about it, and you’re going to win and you’re going to win big,
he told lawmakers, a statement that underscores both his confidence and the stakes of the coming campaign season.
