US President Donald Trump says he is preparing for an intensive 32-day campaign tour ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, as Republicans work to maintain control of Congress.
Trump announced the planned campaign travel on Tuesday while speaking to reporters outside the White House, saying he would visit several states to campaign for Republican candidates.
The president said his schedule would include stops in states such as Texas and Ohio, with the wider tour expected to run through the final weeks before the elections.
“Just so you understand, they all want me to go. I’m one person. They all want me to go campaign,” Trump said.
He also dismissed suggestions that some Republicans were distancing themselves from him as the elections approach.
“You love me, and I love them,” Trump said, with House Speaker Mike Johnson standing beside him.
The November elections will determine whether Republicans retain their majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate or whether Democrats gain greater control over Congress during the final two years of Trump’s current term.
The campaign push comes as Republicans face a closely watched election season, with economic concerns including high gasoline prices and the ongoing conflict involving Iran featuring prominently in the political debate.
Trump’s decision to step up his campaign appearances comes later than some of his advisers had initially anticipated. Much of the White House agenda during the year has been occupied by foreign policy matters and the conflict with Iran.
The president has nevertheless signalled his intention to place himself and his record at the centre of the Republican campaign.
Some Republican candidates have welcomed Trump’s involvement and his willingness to campaign for them, while others have focused more heavily on local issues and their own political records.
With the midterm elections approaching, Trump’s planned 32-day tour is expected to take him across multiple states as he seeks to support Republican candidates and promote his administration’s record.
