Donald Trump has teased “big surprises” in the weeks before America’s midterm elections, as Republicans grow increasingly concerned that Democrats could seize control of Congress.
Speaking at Sparrows Point in Maryland, where he was promoting a multi-billion-dollar defence contract, the president suggested voters could see something unexpected on November 3.
“We have some big surprises coming up in another few weeks, right Russ?” Mr Trump said, addressing Russell Vought, head of the US Office of Management and Budget.
He added: “He’s gonna be one of the very important people in the history of our country, in my opinion. He’s got some great things happening.”
Mr Trump offered no further explanation before going on to acknowledge other members of his Cabinet, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Mr Vought was a co-author of Project 2025 and drafted a transition plan for Mr Trump to implement during the first six months of his second term. The Office of Management and Budget has been approached for comment.
Republicans face difficult midterm contest
Mr Trump has stepped up his campaigning, holding several rallies as Republicans attempt to protect their majorities in both chambers of Congress.
Democrats have long been favoured to regain the House of Representatives, where Republicans hold a five-seat advantage. They would need to gain four seats to take control of the Senate, while also defending seats of their own.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll put Mr Trump’s approval rating at 32 per cent. It also found that 44 per cent of voters preferred Democratic candidates in the midterms, compared with 37 per cent for Republicans.
Independent voters favoured Democrats by 37 per cent to 21 per cent, giving the party a 16-point lead among a group that could prove decisive in closely fought races.
The president has nevertheless remained confident that Republicans will prevail. His recent campaign activity has included appearances in traditionally Republican states such as Nebraska, Oklahoma and Alabama.
In Nebraska, independent candidate Dan Osborn is challenging Republican Senator Pete Ricketts. Mr Trump has also attacked South Carolina Democrat Annie Andrews, who is running against Darline, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham.
Independent voters could also play a key role in Alaska, where Democrat Mary Peltola is challenging Republican Senator Dan Sullivan under the state’s ranked-choice voting system. A New York Times/Siena poll released this week put Ms Peltola ahead by seven points, at 50 per cent to Mr Sullivan’s 43 per cent.
In Iowa, Republican congressional representative Ashley Hinson has urged Democrats to cross party lines and support her Senate campaign. One of her recent adverts featured a Democratic supporter and highlighted legislation she worked on that was signed into law by former president Joe Biden.
Republicans have also faced signs of weakening support among Hispanic voters, who helped Mr Trump win the 2024 presidential election. His administration’s mass deportation programme has since affected his standing with the group, according to the source material.
Republican congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar, who represents heavily Hispanic Miami-Dade County in Florida, released an advert criticising elements of Mr Trump’s immigration agenda. Mr Trump responded by calling her “out of line”.
