▲ U.S. President Donald Trump campaigning in South Carolina
A gloomy atmosphere is gripping the White House as concerns grow over a potential defeat for the Republican Party ahead of the November 3 U.S. midterm elections, the New York Times (NYT) reported on October 29 (local time).
The NYT conveyed this sentiment based on interviews with 16 current and former administration officials and close aides to President Donald Trump.
The report highlighted that as President Trump exhibits increasingly unpredictable behavior, anxiety is spreading within the White House over frequent personnel changes, internal conflicts, and the potential fallout from a midterm defeat.
Recently, some Republican candidates in battleground districts have been distancing themselves from President Trump, and certain political advisers and Republican-affiliated groups have expressed concern that his campaign rallies in swing states could actually hurt these candidates.
However, President Trump reportedly brushes off opinion polls showing low approval ratings while remaining convinced that his overwhelming influence within the Republican Party can offset the unfavorable political climate.
Furthermore, he is reportedly infuriated by critical media reports while intensely consuming news and photos that praise him, videos attacking political opponents, and content generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
Citing one aide, the NYT reported that President Trump is devouring news video clips and "AI slop" (low-quality AI content), and is increasingly surrounded by a small circle of loyal aides, cutting himself off from the outside world.
Close aide Natalie Harp recently left her former desk outside the Oval Office to work from a spot set up in the president's private dining room adjacent to the Oval Office, according to the report.
This space is where President Trump watches television, makes phone calls, and reviews news articles and various documents.
Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Bill Pulte reportedly often shows President Trump AI images and internet memes aboard Air Force One while traveling to and from campaign rallies.
One administration official compared Pulte to a "court jester."
Confusion is also emerging in personnel matters.
After watching a broadcast video of political commentator Katie Zachariah, President Trump selected her as White House press secretary before formal vetting was completed. She failed to secure internal support and was dismissed just five days into the job amid controversies over qualification and a falsified resume.
Among White House aides, speculation is rising that President Trump may overhaul administration personnel depending on the outcome of the midterm elections.
The NYT noted that the current situation is reminiscent of Trump's first term, which was plagued by chaos from frequent staff changes and internal power struggles.
White House spokesperson Daniel Alvarez pushed back in a statement, saying, "The president's team remains strong, united, and focused on delivering the America First agenda."
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
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