White House Weighs Change for Midterm Races

The White House may soon send one of its top aides to President Trump's campaign operation—without actually losing him. Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair is weighing a temporary leave to run Trump's political shop for the 2026 midterms while keeping his West Wing role on hold, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles confirmed to Politico. Blair would manage Trump's broader political strategy and midterm spending from outside the administration, Axios reports.

The move would formalize Blair's already central role in midterm planning; he previously served as political director on Trump's 2024 campaign and has been overseeing the White House's political efforts. Trump, who once questioned the effectiveness of the low-key aide, now publicly praises his work. Blair's résumé includes senior roles for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state GOP's legislative arm. Putting Blair in the new role would be evidence that White House aides are seeking unified strategy and spending on the midterms.