White House braces for GOP midterm losses and Democratic probes
The White House braces for Republican defeat in midterm elections (Photo: REUTERS/Nathan Howard)
President Donald Trump’s administration is preparing for a
possible Republican defeat in the November midterm elections and the
investigations, subpoenas and Democratic oversight that could follow, The
Washington Post reported on May 4.
White House lawyers have been holding closed-door briefings
for political appointees, walking them through how congressional oversight
works and how to handle lawmakers’ requests if Democrats win control of at
least one chamber of Congress.
The briefings last about half an hour and include
presentations with practical guidance, people familiar with the matter said.
Lawyers have urged staffers to be careful in written communications and to
respond quickly to congressional requests.
“Everyone recognizes this is very likely. It was a serious,
sobering conversation,” said one of two officials who attended a closed-door
briefing, referring to the possibility that Republicans could lose at least one
chamber in November.
A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity,
said lawyers have been giving relevant staff such guidance since January 2025
and added that “this is not unusual.”
But one person familiar with the matter said the latest
briefings, some held over the past month, are taking place in a different
political climate and have the clear feel of preparations for the midterms.
Some staffers see the briefings as groundwork for a possible
Democratic takeover, as concern grows inside the Trump administration about the
Republican Party’s political standing and the need to prepare for worst-case
scenarios, WP reported.
Polling shows Trump’s approval rating slipping amid economic
pressure tied to the war against Iran and other problems, the newspaper said.
Democrats lead Republicans by about 5 percentage points in support for House
races, a gap that has widened from earlier months.
During Trump’s first term, he and his team faced numerous
investigations and congressional subpoenas they viewed as politically
motivated, WP reported.
Trump has publicly acknowledged the difficult position
facing his party, noting that the party in power rarely wins midterm elections.
“You have to win the midterms, because if we don’t win the
midterms, they’ll find a reason to impeach me,” Trump said in January.
Axios reported on April 8 that some Democrats called for
removing Trump from office after his sharp remarks on Iran, weighing impeachment
or invoking the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Tehran no longer
demands an end to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as a precondition for
talks with the United States. Instead, Iran is proposing simultaneous
discussions on reopening the strait, security guarantees and its nuclear
program.
Iran has signaled through mediators that it is ready to hold
a new round of talks in Pakistan as early as this week if Washington accepts
the new proposal as the basis for dialogue, the newspaper said.
Will you support Ukraine’s free press?
Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations.
As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility – to amplify Ukraine’s voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation.
It’s the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine.
If you’re willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda.
Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd.
If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly.
There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting.
We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If you’re willing to stand up for the truth – consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.
Will you help tell Ukraine’s story to the world?
Twenty years ago, most people hadn’t even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyone’s lips and everyone’s headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of – from music and culture to technology.
We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If you’re willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
