In particular, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner claimed tighter control over the campaign, a move that led to the abrupt demotion of one of Trump’s oldest political advisers. However, internal movements did little to calm skeptics who say Trump’s problems can only be solved by the candidate himself.
Namely, they say, Trump needs a message and show some discipline in delivering it.
“I would say Republicans are anxious and there is a real sense of urgency for the President to precisely define his second term agenda. What are we running at? His responses have been lacking and he needs to show people why he wants four more years, “said Scott Jennings, one of the top political advisers to the George W. Bush White House.
Trump was scheduled to spend the past weekend at his Bedminster golf course, but at the last minute he decided to stay in Washington. He spent part of his time answering calls from concerned confidants.
Aides said they detected a noticeable change in his mindset and a sudden alertness that he was losing. Trump spent four hours in campaign-related meetings on Wednesday, when he was briefed on the campaign’s digital efforts and its position in various battlefield states. He also spoke with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy about the legislative elections.
Kushner, whose broad portfolio already includes everything from Middle East politics to the coronavirus response, got involved in the minute details of the campaign, including drafting an updated budget.
Perhaps the biggest surprise came Monday, when Kushner’s ally Jeff DeWit entered the office of campaign operations director Michael Glassner. According to two people familiar with what happened, DeWit, a former Arizona treasurer and veteran of the 2016 Trump campaign, told Glassner that he would replace him and take his title and position. When Glassner asked DeWit if he was acting with Kushner’s authority, DeWit said yes.
Another person argued that Kushner ever appeared in the conversation and said the interaction was much friendlier. DeWit, this person said, simply informed Glassner that some changes were being made and that the campaign wanted him to serve in a different capacity.
Attendees said Glassner’s demotion was the result of the president’s disastrous rally on June 20 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where thousands of seats were empty. While Glassner arranged the logistics for Trump’s protests, some attendees said it was unfair to hold him accountable for not filling the arena. Other Trump officials said the plan was always to eliminate Glassner as the race approached the past few months.
The next day, DeWit went to the Capitol Hill Republican National Committee headquarters to review the budget and ask questions about finances. But party officials annoyed the meeting and felt they did not understand the basics of campaign spending, according to a person familiar with what happened.
Another person briefed on the meeting questioned that DeWit, who had the title of COO in 2016, was unaware of the campaign’s finances. They said it was trying to verify that the committee was providing the re-election campaign with an accurate reading of how it was spending money.
DeWit called Glassner “a great and valuable member of our team” who would be “taking on additional responsibilities.”
“He is also a great friend and we still work together every day on our jobs,” added DeWit.
DeWit also said that “he was eager to get back to working with the RNC,” adding: “We had a great meeting and I think we are all on the same page to want to use our resources in the most effective way possible to win.”
The campaign made other moves this week. On Thursday, he announced that he was hiring veteran Republican operator Susie Wiles to oversee the Trump operation in Florida, where polls show him closely. Last year, the campaign severed ties with Wiles, who played a key role in Trump’s 2016 victory in Florida, after she clashed with Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. The governor was informed of Wiles’ move prior to his announcement.
Trump advisers insist the campaign is stable, especially compared to the chaotic 2016 effort, and that campaign manager Brad Parscale is still standing for now. On Wednesday, the President’s operation announced that it had raised $ 131 million in the second quarter. While the amount was $ 10 million less than what Democrats raised, it’s still likely to give the reelection effort a massive cash-on-hand lead toward the final stretch.
“The enthusiasm behind President Trump’s reelection is undeniable,” said Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh. “He continues to break fundraising records, received unprecedented total votes in the Republican primaries, and is leading the economic comeback that is already underway. The campaign is well positioned to win and has the resources to do so. “
However, the allies continue to speak. Republican strategist Karl Rove, who has been informally reporting the Trump campaign, turned to the pages of the Wall Street Journal on Thursday to warn that the president needed a “reset” and urged him to set a second-term agenda, which Trump does not Ready
There are also basic questions about how you will campaign. Almost two weeks after the Tulsa event, the campaign has yet to announce plans to continue the protests, a favorite spot for Trump. The coronavirus pandemic is limiting where it can hold protests, and two people close to the campaign confirmed a report that an upcoming Alabama rally had been ruled out.
There are also complaints about the staff. Some Republicans said that only a handful of aides have Trump’s ear and that it is too difficult to obtain competitive opinions for the president and that he is very controlled by a small group of political aides. While the 2016 campaign flowed freely, they argue, the 2020 version is much stiffer. Concerns have been raised to Trump that those outside his immediate circle of campaign aides are struggling to communicate with him.
However, for others, it’s less about personal and more about Trump. After an unfocused first half of the year that lacked a clear and consistent message, they said it’s up to the president to figure out how he wants to sell to voters in another four years.
“If hitting Biden is your strategy, go ahead and do it. If you sell your plans to get the country moving again, focus on that plan, “said Ed Rollins, a veteran Republican strategist who helps oversee a pro-Trump super PAC.” You need to be committed to what is most comfortable for you and stick with it. Go ahead. Take Biden’s challenge seriously and run like you’re losing until the day after the election. ”
