Republicans Distance Themselves From Trump Ahead of Midterms

In the run-up to the 2026 midterm elections, several Republican candidates and strategists are distancing themselves from President Trump, according to multiple reports. Senate races in North Carolina and South Carolina, once considered safe for the GOP, are now seen as increasingly competitive, and party strategists are expressing concern about holding those seats.

The Department of Justice defended a ban on certain reporters' access to the White House, saying that access is a privilege and not a right, citing national security. Meanwhile, a GOP challenger in a blue-state governor's race has narrowed the gap to single digits despite the Democratic incumbent's large fundraising advantage.