This archive report was first published on 3 July 2020.
As the US economy struggles to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, President Trump's re-election campaign is facing mounting pressure to adapt its strategy. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who joined Mr. Trump for a golf outing on Sunday, July 5, 2020, is urging him to run as a more populist candidate on issues like stimulus spending, infrastructure, and prescription drugs.
However, internal power struggles are hindering the campaign's efforts. A group of Mr. Trump's allies are pushing for a major overhaul of his operation, including the demotion of campaign manager Brad Parscale. This move has been encouraged by Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law and senior advisor, who has been critical of Mr. Parscale's performance following the disastrous Tulsa rally.
But some of Mr. Trump's closest advisers believe that a shake-up is unlikely, citing the president's reluctance to take advice from new strategists. The tension between Mr. Kushner and Mr. Parscale has been escalating, with Mr. Kushner reportedly telling Mr. Parscale to 'shut up' during a meeting with Republican officials this week.
As the campaign struggles to find its footing, some of Mr. Trump's allies are pointing to the president's own impulses as a major part of the problem. Mr. Trump has been dismissive of Mr. Kushner's advice in recent weeks, particularly on issues like criminal justice reform, and has indicated that he wants to follow his own instincts on how to campaign.
