Axios: Trump unconcerned by outcome of upcoming US elections

US President Donald Trump is unconcerned about the outcome of this year's congressional elections and plans to use his political influence to shape the future of the Republican Party regardless of the results, Axios reports, citing the president's close advisers.

The report said Trump does not believe losing Republican control of the House of Representatives or the Senate in the 2026 midterm elections would diminish his influence within the party. Instead, he expects his standing among Republicans to remain intact or even grow.

Axios reported that newly elected Republican lawmakers are expected to be more loyal to Trump, as many of his internal critics are either retiring or losing their seats.

In the Senate, key committees could come under the leadership of Trump allies, including Mike Lee, Ron Johnson and Rick Scott.

In the House, Republican critics such as Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene are expected to leave Congress, with their seats likely to be filled by Republicans whose victories were backed by Trump.

The report also focuses on the 2028 presidential election, with advisers saying Trump intends to become the Republican Party's "kingmaker" by influencing both its nominee and campaign platform.

According to the advisers, Trump favours a 2028 Republican ticket headed by Vice President JD Vance, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the vice presidential candidate.

While Trump is expected to keep speculation alive about a possible presidential bid of his own until the last moment, his advisers believe this is primarily a public relations strategy aimed at maintaining leverage over Vance and Rubio.

Axios also reported that the White House is monitoring other potential Republican contenders, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Senators Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley.

The outlet added that Trump plans to use the influence of the presidency to raise funds and expand his political influence beyond the end of his term.

"He likes the fact that when he tells someone, 'Give me money,' they give him money," one adviser said.

Another adviser added:

"You're as powerful as your bank account says you are."

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov