‘It's the President's Fault’: The White House Blame Game Starts Early Ahead of the Midterms

WIRED reports, according to Political Wire, that aides are looking for someone to blame as Republicans stare down brutal predictions in key House and Senate races[1].Political Wire quotes WIRED as saying Republican operatives privately believe "the real blame lies with Trump for starting the Iran war in an election year"[1]. WIRED also reports that aides "cannot say publicly or tell the president behind closed doors that his own policy decisions are at fault"[1].CNN reports that Trump's aides believe the House majority is likely lost[2]. People who have spoken with Trump told CNN that if Republicans lose badly on November 3, Trump is certain to find someone to blame — and it won't be him[2]. One Trump adviser told CNN that "Everyone is fair game."[3]Reuters reported on October 17 that Trump is blaming senior aides and political operatives for a faltering midterm strategy[4]. According to Reuters, much of the friction has centred on James Blair, the longtime aide who runs Trump's super PAC MAGA Inc., and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles[4].CNN reports that Trump has said there is "zero chance" he'd replace[2] Wiles.White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Reuters the sources were "armchair experts peddling their baseless speculation."[4] Adviser Chris LaCivita told Reuters: "Sniping from unnamed cowards who've never been in a fight is not worth responding to."[4]