President Trump's political operatives are convening his Cabinet for an urgent strategy session Thursday to deploy top administration officials across the country as economic evangelists ahead of the midterm elections.
The meeting signals where Trump's team believes the battle will be won or lost: the pocketbook. Despite international tensions and policy upheaval, advisers are convinced that voter concern about jobs, wages, and household finances will overwhelm all other campaign messaging.
The timing is fraught. Gas prices have spiked following the escalation of conflict with Iran, and stock markets just posted their worst day since the war began a month ago. Meanwhile, Democrats have notched a string of victories in recent state and federal races, and Trump's approval ratings, particularly on economic stewardship, have declined.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair, and senior Trump political advisers will unveil the Cabinet's marching orders at the meeting. The playbook centers on amplifying tax cuts from last year's legislation, particularly breaks on tips and overtime pay, which administration officials believe resonate most during tax season when voters are most aware of their personal finances.
Cabinet members will also be encouraged to work alternative media outlets and podcasts rather than rely on traditional news outlets, which Trump advisers believe are fixated on Iran coverage and unable to refocus public attention on economic achievements.
There is an obvious tension in the strategy. Discussing economic gains without addressing the war and its potential for dampening growth could strain credibility. Economists have warned that the conflict carries risks of prolonged economic slowdown, a message unlikely to help the administration's pitch to voters.
This Cabinet huddle is expected to be the first in a series of political strategy sessions scheduled through the election cycle. The meetings underscore how central Trump's team views economic messaging to preserving Republican strength at the ballot box.
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