Scoop: Cabinet to huddle to talk midterms, economy
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President Trump's political team is meeting with his Cabinet late Thursday to discuss plans for top officials to fan out across the country to stress what the administration is doing to help the economy, sources tell Axios.
Why it matters: Trump's team believes the economy — above all other issues, including any anxiety over the president's actions on Iran or immigration — will drive voter sentiment heading into the November elections.
The meeting comes as the Iran war has sent gas prices soaring, and after the stock market's worst day since Trump launched the war a month ago.
- Democrats have won a series of state and federal elections in recent weeks, as Trump's poll numbers — including on his handling of the economy — have plummeted.
Zoom in: Trump advisers believe that while the national media is focused on the war, voters are more interested in pocketbook issues — especially during tax season.
Yes, but: It may be hard to talk about the economy without acknowledging the war, and economists' concern that it could slow economic growth for an extended period.
Zoom out: White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair, Cabinet secretary Meghan Bauer and senior Trump political advisers Tony Fabrizio, Richard Walters and Tim Saler will present a plan to the Cabinet, people familiar with the plans said.
- Cabinet members will be urged to focus on several things Trump has done since taking office.
- They include provisions in last year's "big, beautiful" tax and spending bill to cut some taxes on tips and overtime pay.
- The officials also are being urged to engage with alternative media platforms, such as podcasts.
Behind the scenes: This will be part of a series of political meetings the Cabinet will hold in the run-up to the election.
