Trump blames aides as Republican midterm prospects dim

President Donald Trump is blaming senior aides and political operatives for a faltering midterm strategy, questioning campaign spending, faulting redistricting and second-guessing candidate choices as Republicans fight to retain control of Congress, said three people familiar with internal discussions. Trump is not on the November 3 ballot but is hoping to mobilize voters by having them pretend he is. Friction has centered on James Blair, who runs Trump's super PAC MAGA Inc., and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. Trump has faulted Blair's handling of campaign funds, while some White House officials and allies have questioned Wiles' oversight of the political operation. White House spokesman Davis Ingle rejected the sources' characterization. Trump helped devise and drive some of the strategies he is now questioning, including the redistricting effort and candidate choices shaped by his personal loyalties or grievances. His approval rating is at the lowest point of his presidency. Trump's frustrations with his political team spilled into public view after Blair and Chris LaCivita traveled to Republika Srpska, a region of Bosnia, where they reportedly received substantial payments to advise the regional government ahead of local elections.