RNC Chair Joe Gruters believes that President Trump will be the GOP’s “secret weapon” in the 2026 midterms, aiming to defy historical trends and maintain party majorities.
Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Joe Gruters has set a clear objective for the upcoming midterm elections: to ensure that the GOP retains its fragile majority in the House and its narrow control of the Senate. This mission is complicated by the historical trend that typically sees the party in power lose congressional seats during midterm elections.
Gruters, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, asserts that he has a “secret weapon” to counteract these traditional headwinds. In a recent exclusive interview with Fox News, he stated, “I think the President of the United States is our secret weapon… He’s laser focused.” Gruters emphasized that Trump’s agenda during his first year back in the White House will yield significant benefits for candidates across various levels, from governors to local offices.
However, Democrats view the situation differently, highlighting Trump’s low approval ratings and the public’s ongoing concerns about high prices. The GOP also faces challenges with voter turnout, particularly among MAGA supporters who may not be motivated to vote when Trump is not on the ballot.
Despite these challenges, Gruters pointed out that Trump has recently made appearances in critical battleground states for the midterms, asserting that the former president will actively campaign for GOP candidates. He also noted the party’s substantial fundraising advantage over the Democratic National Committee (DNC), stating, “We’re raising a ton of money.” Gruters cautioned, however, that the party must ensure voter turnout and maintain enthusiasm among its base, emphasizing that “there’s nobody that can energize our base more than President Trump.”
As the RNC prepares for its winter meeting, Gruters highlighted Trump’s focus on affordability, citing recent decreases in gas prices and other essential costs. He believes that these issues resonate with everyday Americans and will be pivotal in the upcoming elections. “Look at gas prices, the lowest prices since 2021; look at egg prices,” he said. “The president is focused on real pocketbook issues that impact everyday Americans, and he’s not done.”
In the 2024 elections, concerns over inflation helped propel Trump and the Republicans to significant victories, allowing them to reclaim the White House and the Senate while maintaining their House majority. Nevertheless, Democrats argue that their successes in the November 2025 elections and their performance in special elections were driven by a strong emphasis on affordability.
DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer criticized Trump, stating, “One year into his second term, Donald Trump has made one thing unmistakably clear: He doesn’t care about everyday Americans — he only cares about himself and his billionaire donors.” Witmer expressed confidence that voters would remember Trump’s actions when they head to the polls in November, asserting, “Voters won’t forget Trump’s betrayal come midterms — and Republicans will have to answer for it.”
Gruters, who previously worked as a certified public accountant, also pointed to the tax cuts included in Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which he considers a significant achievement of the current administration. “I will tell you that people are very excited about filing their taxes this year. This should be some of the biggest refunds that anybody has gotten,” he claimed.
The cost of living remains a critical issue for voters, with a recent Fox News national poll indicating that a majority of respondents are concerned about rising prices. Gruters, in promoting Trump’s policies, asserted, “From an affordability standpoint, I think we win hands down based on the policies this president has pushed.” However, Democrats remain skeptical of this claim.
DNC Chair Ken Martin bluntly addressed the economic situation at the party’s winter meeting last month, stating, “S*** is too expensive.” This sentiment underscores the ongoing debate between the two parties as they prepare for the upcoming midterm elections.
As the political landscape evolves, both parties will be closely monitoring voter sentiment and the effectiveness of their respective strategies leading up to the elections. The stakes are high, and the outcome will significantly impact the future direction of the U.S. government.
According to Fox News, the GOP is gearing up for a challenging electoral battle, with Gruters confident that Trump’s involvement will play a crucial role in energizing the party’s base and securing victories in the midterms.