Trump Hosts Dinner for Republican Lawmakers Amid Midterm Concerns

<figure><img alt="Donald Trump" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/QOMSMF7PNBH3BLLIVPMQS3AYBA.jpg?auth=bf2c657f21b1cfd621fd63d9b561b5c18fb82592f61fb6317f1842983af6d61f&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3000&amp;height=1688" /><figcaption>Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Getty</figcaption></figure><p>Donald Trump has invited Republican lawmakers from battleground states to the White House as the party prepares for the upcoming midterm elections. The dinner is scheduled for Wednesday night in the Rose Garden.</p><p>This meeting was initially reported by <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/09/02/trump-invites-battleground-republicans-to-rose-garden-dinner-01061406" rel="" target="_self" title="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/09/02/trump-invites-battleground-republicans-to-rose-garden-dinner-01061406">Politico</a> and confirmed by the Daily Beast.</p><p>Republicans are expressing concerns about their chances of retaining control of both the House and the Senate in the November elections, particularly as recent polling indicates a preference for Democrats among voters.</p><p>The dinner will take place in a setting reminiscent of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club, which has raised eyebrows given the current economic challenges facing many Americans. Republican lawmakers are urging Trump to utilize his $400 million super PAC to support their campaigns.</p><img alt="Trump invited a group of battleground Republicans to dine in the Rose Garden, pictured here with the yellow-and-white striped umbrellas are similar to those found at Trump’s private Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. / Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images" height="2496" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/CTCRXPRGVZCRPPEXHZTHF7JCXI.jpg?auth=b9fdec08b0f75e39984461adabb851be00f2bcc4de599f14307050da51f299fd&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3744&amp;height=2496" width="3744" /><p>At least several dozen Republican lawmakers have been invited to the gathering, according to sources familiar with the invitation list. This event precedes the Republican convention in Dallas, Texas, where Trump will advocate for party support in the midterms. However, some GOP members have indicated they may not attend as the campaign season intensifies.</p><p>Despite having substantial funds available, Trump has not yet made significant financial contributions to assist Republican candidates in the midterms. His PAC, MAGA Inc., has reportedly spent only about $800,000 on campaign efforts, primarily for calls and texts to support Senator Darline Graham's recent nomination.</p><p>Republicans are urging Trump to begin allocating funds in key battleground states as they strive to maintain their slim majority in the House and a narrow lead in the Senate. Recent polling data indicates that Democrats currently hold a six-point lead on a generic congressional ballot, according to an <a href="https://d3nkl3psvxxpe9.cloudfront.net/documents/econTabReport_yVe1kKt.pdf" rel="" target="_self" title="https://d3nkl3psvxxpe9.cloudfront.net/documents/econTabReport_yVe1kKt.pdf">Economist/YouGov</a> poll.</p><p>Additionally, a <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-approval-stuck-33-democrats-appear-more-fired-up-midterms-reutersipsos-2026-08-31/" rel="" target="_self" title="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-approval-stuck-33-democrats-appear-more-fired-up-midterms-reutersipsos-2026-08-31/">Reuters/Ipsos</a> poll shows Democrats with a five-point advantage, further indicating a shift in voter sentiment.</p><p>The House of Representatives returned to Washington, D.C. briefly this week after their August recess, while the Senate is scheduled to reconvene on September 14. Recent polls suggest that Democrats are gaining ground in districts previously held by Trump, with the <a href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/house-race-ratings" rel="" target="_self" title="https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/house-race-ratings">Cook Political Report</a> identifying 21 competitive seats, including 16 held by Republicans.</p><p>Democrats are also making strides in Senate races, with polls indicating competitive races in states that Trump previously won, such as Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, Alaska, Michigan, and Ohio.</p><p>Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed hope on Fox News that MAGA Inc. would soon begin to invest in these critical races. He stated, "We’re certainly hopeful that the president and his team and MAGA Inc. will be engaged in some of these races. We’ve got some states that are incredibly expensive." </p><p>The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comment.</p>