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She added that taking into consideration how best “to deploy a most valuable political asset for success in the midterms” is an obvious commonsense measure.
Blair is no newcomer to high-level political operations. Before his current White House role, he served as deputy chief of staff to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. His relationship with Trump’s political network deepened over several years, beginning with his involvement in Florida-based strategy work during the 2020 election cycle.
He was later brought into Trump’s broader political apparatus, where he took on a leading role in shaping the former president’s electoral strategy heading into 2026. In addition to campaign responsibilities, Blair also played a key role in advancing Trump’s major legislative push, commonly referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
“James was not only the chief strategist but also the chief lobbyist,” Wiles said. “Working closely with the president and the team, he helped deliver the biggest legislative package in decades, maybe the largest ever.”
As Republicans prepare for the midterms, they do so under narrow control of both chambers of Congress. At the same time, political headwinds appear to be forming, with polling data showing Trump’s overall national approval facing pressure following U.S. military action involving Iran.
Veteran Republican pollster Neil Newhouse issued a blunt assessment of the political environment ahead.
“You’re looking at an ugly November,” said veteran Republican pollster Neil Newhouse. “At a point in time when we need every break possible to hold the House and Senate, our edge is being chipped away.”
Public sentiment on foreign policy appears to be a complicating factor. According to polling from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research conducted in March, roughly 6 in 10 U.S. adults believe U.S. military action in Iran has “gone too far.” The same data indicates only about one-third of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of Iran-related policy.
Additionally, support for potential ground involvement remains weak. About 6 in 10 adults oppose sending U.S. forces into Iran, including nearly half of Republican respondents. Just around 1 in 10 Americans express support for such action.
Despite foreign policy turbulence, Trump’s overall job approval rating has remained relatively stable. Approximately 4 in 10 Americans continue to approve of his performance as president, a figure that has remained largely consistent throughout his second term, according to Newsmax reporting.
At the same time, internal polling trends suggest a strengthening of Trump’s standing within his own party, even as national numbers remain underwater.
Surveys conducted over the past month show increased Republican support. A Quinnipiac University poll found Trump’s approval among GOP voters rising significantly from roughly 72 percent in March to about 81 percent in April.
Similarly, YouGov polling conducted with The Economist showed comparable movement, with Republican approval increasing from 82 percent in March (with 14 percent disapproval) to roughly 84 percent approval and 12 percent disapproval in April.
Taken together, these figures suggest consolidation rather than fragmentation within the GOP base, with Trump maintaining strong dominance among Republican voters heading into the 2026 cycle.
However, the broader national landscape remains sharply divided. Among all registered voters, Trump’s approval ratings continue to sit in negative territory, with averages showing support in the high 30s and disapproval in the mid-50s, producing a net rating in the range of -17 to -20 points.
The data underscores a familiar pattern in modern American politics: deep polarization between party loyalty and national sentiment. While Trump continues to command overwhelming support within the Republican Party, broader public opinion remains significantly more divided as the midterm election season approaches.
