Trump's final act begins
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President Trump doesn't much care if Republicans lose the House and/or the Senate in the midterms this fall.
- Yes, he'd prefer a big win, but he seems indifferent to the election and the possibility of endless Democratic investigations of his family, wealth and policies, his closest advisers tell us.
- A big reason: Trump knows he'll emerge just as strong, or even stronger, heading into his final two years, at least among Republicans.
Why it matters: Trump will enjoy a more pro-Trump Republican Congress, win or lose; gleefully play '28 kingmaker and further test the boundaries of presidential power beyond legislating, his preferred method anyway. He'll use pardons to protect his people, the advisers say.
The big picture: Trump is not a share-the-stage, pass-the-torch, groom-your-successor kind of guy. Instead, he'll exploit his leverage:
- A more MAGA Senate. Almost all of his critics will be gone through defeat or retirement. The incoming class is very Trumpy. If they keep the Senate, Trump loyalists like Mike Lee (Utah), Ron Johnson (Wis.) and Rick Scott (Fla.) will chair committees.
- A more MAGA House. Trump already serves as de facto speaker, but his few outspoken GOP critics — Thomas Massie (Ky.) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.) — will be gone, replaced by members who won because of him.
- A '28 kingmaker. Trump's firm hold on the base means he will dictate the GOP's nominee AND shape their message. He wants a Vance-Rubio ticket and will likely get it if his mind doesn't change. Imagine any '28 hopeful, especially Marco Rubio or JD Vance, trying to break with the boss while working for the boss.
- Cashing in. Trump will use levers of power to keep raising money to expand his clout beyond the presidency. "He likes the fact that when he tells someone, 'Give me money,' they give him money," an adviser told us. Another chimed in: Trump will relish, in perpetuity, having Republicans beg for his endorsement: "You're as powerful as your bank account says you are."
Three dramas to watch post-November:
- Trump will flirt with running again in '28 until the bitter end, but it's all about PR and keeping Vance and Rubio in their place.
- As potential outside-the-walls competition in '28, the White House is watching Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas) and Sen. Josh Hawley (Mo.).
- Most importantly: A constitutional clash over congressional oversight, among the last and most vital powers lawmakers hold dear. What happens if Trump orders his entire administration, family and friends to just ignore Congress?
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