Key facts
- James Blair and Chris LaCivita are facing criticism from within the Republican party.
- The criticism stems from their trip to the Balkans to advise a Russia-friendly regime's reelection.
- The revelations emerged as Republicans face diminishing midterm prospects.
- President Donald Trump publicly distanced himself from Blair and LaCivita.
- Trump referred to them as "outside consultants" who "do not work for me."
Republicans are experiencing internal backlash against two key political operatives, James Blair and Chris LaCivita, just weeks before the midterm elections. The criticism follows revelations that the two men traveled to the Balkans to advise a Russia-friendly regime's reelection campaign, a move that has drawn ire as the party faces dwindling prospects for maintaining control of Congress.
A person close to the White House told POLITICO that the revelations "opened the floodgates" and that "the knives are now fully out for these two."