Trump kicks off 32-day midterm campaign blitz

The campaign blitz comes amid mounting public concern over his administration’s economic policies and military involvement in Iran, both of which are expected to heavily influence voter sentiment in the midterms.

Trump kicked off his tour on Thursday (October 1) with consecutive rallies in Denton, Texas, and Oklahoma. Speaking at a manufacturing plant in Texas, he praised his administration's performance on government management and the economy, while attributing his declining popularity to negative media coverage.  

The midterms carry high stakes for Republicans, with all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 Senate seats up for election. Losing control of either chamber could cripple Trump's legislative agenda during the final two years of his second term.  

A joint poll by The Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research published on Thursday revealed that 71 per cent of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the conflict with Iran.

Furthermore, nearly half of respondents expressed anxiety over food and fuel costs, while his approval rating regarding economic management stood at just 26 percent.  

During his speeches, Trump defended his tariff policies, claiming they have created thousands of manufacturing jobs, despite facing multiple legal challenges.

Addressing the conflict with Iran—which began on February 28 and disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, pushing diesel prices past a record $6 per gallon—Trump insisted the war would end swiftly and lead to a rapid decline in fuel prices.

In Texas, Trump campaigned for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton while criticizing Democratic contender James Talarico. He also reiterated his positions on immigration, transgender rights, and data center expansion. Trump's upcoming campaign stops include Alabama, Ohio, and Nebraska.