Trump makes a series of controversial statements and actions ahead of midterm elections

President Donald Trump has taken a number of high-profile actions in the days leading up to the 2026 midterm elections. He announced a proposal to give every adult U.S. citizen $5,000 if Republicans retain majorities in both the House and Senate, a plan that polling shows most voters consider inappropriate. Trump also said he was joking about withholding disaster assistance from North Carolina if the state elected a Democratic senator, a comment that drew criticism for its potential impact on disaster response.

Ahead of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Trump recounted a story about being rescued from Ground Zero that has not been verified by independent sources. He also claimed that the 2024 assassination attempt on his life in Butler, Pennsylvania, was part of a Democratic plot, despite the assailant being a registered Republican and federal officials reporting no evidence of such a conspiracy.

In a separate remark, Trump suggested that halting trade with countries in which the United States runs a trade deficit could generate $1.5 trillion annually, a proposal that economists say lacks practical feasibility. He further announced a ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House access, resulting in reporters being denied entry and having press credentials seized.

Other statements this week included criticism of Supreme Court nominees he previously interviewed, praise for Irish reunification, and dismissal of concerns about artificial-intelligence safety as a “hoax.” Trump also expressed a desire to attach his name to the Kennedy Center and indicated he might let the institution decline if his request is not granted.

These developments come as polling shows a decline in public confidence in Trump’s leadership, with a majority of voters viewing his recent conduct as a cause for concern ahead of the upcoming elections.