Donald Trump's campaign is reportedly in disarray as his closest advisors grow increasingly alarmed over his apparent lack of urgency in the face of a changing electoral landscape. According to a detailed report from the Washington Post, Trump's aides have struggled to keep the former president engaged as Kamala Harris and her running mate, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, gain momentum following the Democratic National Convention.
The Democratic convention, praised for its production quality and broad media coverage, has dominated the political spotlight, leaving Trump's camp scrambling to regain footing. Instead of countering the Democrats' narrative, Trump has spent much of his time on the golf course, seemingly disconnected from the campaign's pressing needs.
Insiders revealed that Trump's aides were particularly concerned about his response to the convention. The former president reportedly spent his days golfing and stewing over the Democrats' increasing visibility and the shifting dynamics of the race. This behavior alarmed his team, who feared that Trump's lack of focus would cost him dearly as the election draws nearer.
The Washington Post's Isaac Arnsdorf, Josh Dawsey, and Marianne LeVine reported that Trump's aides were desperate to get him back on the road, where he could directly address voters and counter the Harris-Walz ticket's rising popularity. However, their efforts have been met with mixed results, as Trump's public appearances often devolve into personal attacks on Harris rather than substantive policy discussions.
This has led to frustration within Trump's campaign, with some aides expressing concern that he is not working as hard as his opponents. One source close to the former president noted that Trump had become increasingly annoyed with media coverage portraying him as disengaged, which further fueled his frustration.
Alyssa Farah Griffin, a former White House communications director under Trump, provided a candid assessment of the situation. She noted that the stakes for Trump in this election are higher than ever, given the numerous criminal cases he faces. Despite this, Griffin observed that Trump seems to be "phoning it in," running a campaign that lacks the energy and discipline of his previous efforts.
Griffin highlighted Trump's tendency to spend days away from the campaign trail, focusing instead on leisure activities like golfing. She also criticized his recent attempts to undermine Harris with weak nicknames, suggesting that the former president has "lost his mojo."
As the election approaches, the Trump campaign finds itself at a critical juncture. With Harris and Walz gaining ground and Trump's focus seemingly elsewhere, his team faces an uphill battle to re-energize the campaign and steer it back on course. Whether they can overcome these internal challenges and reclaim the momentum remains to be seen.