Trump positions upcoming midterms around his record despite not being on ballot

The short version

• President Donald Trump plans to turn the November 3 midterm elections into a referendum on his record despite his name not appearing on the ballot.[Associated Press]
• At a rally in South Carolina, Trump urged attendees to pretend he is running in the election.[Associated Press]
• His political organization, MAGA Inc., pledged $10 million for television and digital advertisements in the Texas Senate contest.[Associated Press]
• Republican strategist Rick Tyler argued that Trump's core supporters typically do not turn out when he is not running.[Associated Press]

Key facts

• President Donald Trump plans to make the November 3 midterm elections a referendum on his administration even though he is not on the ballot.[Associated Press]
• During a South Carolina rally, Trump explicitly urged supporters to pretend he is on the ballot.[Associated Press]
• The political organization MAGA Inc. committed $10 million toward digital and television advertisements in the Texas Senate race.[Associated Press]
• The Republican Party has offered online beer cozies priced at $16 showing Trump depicted as the Marlboro Man.[Associated Press]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Trump wants voters to pretend he’s on the ballot. The Republican Party is going along for the rideAssociated Press · Wire: associated-press