Trump's midterm strategy and 'secret weapon'

Blair will 'lead the charge from the outside,' focusing on battleground states where Trump's influence is being tested by shifting demographics and internal party divisions.

The president has also stepped up his public endorsements of loyalist candidates, shattering traditional norms for executive involvement in domestic races.

However, some GOP strategists worry that Trump's focus on personal loyalty over electability could alienate moderate voters.

The new midterm war room will also manage the fallout from the Iran conflict, which has sparked a mutiny among some prominent MAGA commentators.