Trump Disowns 2 Top Advisers Over Balkans Work as GOP Midterm Panic Deepens
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Oct 8
Trump Disowns 2 Top Advisers Over Balkans Work as GOP Midterm Panic Deepens
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Oct 8
Summary
Trump learned only after the fact that Chris LaCivita and James Blair had traveled to the Balkans, then called advisers for reactions before dictating a post saying the two were merely “outside consultants.”
The rupture followed reports that they advised a Russia-friendly regime’s reelection effort while Republicans, 26 days from the midterms, face worsening prospects at home.
White House and GOP figures told POLITICO the episode unleashed pent-up anger over months of frustration with Trump’s midterm strategy, though people close to him said a formal shake-up before Election Day remains unlikely.
Some MAGA allies defended the pair and said campaign work continued remotely, but other operatives argued the controversy underscored broader doubts that Trump’s political operation or advertising can rescue vulnerable Republicans.