Trump Rages Over Looming Midterms, Seeks Scapegoats

Author Michael Wolff says the president is doubling down on personal grievances instead of addressing key voter issues.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:37pm

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A fractured, abstract painting of Donald Trump's head in overlapping geometric shapes of red, orange, and yellow, conveying a sense of political turmoil and rage.As Trump's political fortunes darken, his anger and lashing out threaten to further damage the Republican Party's midterm prospects.Las Vegas Today

According to author Michael Wolff, President Donald Trump is becoming increasingly angry and lashing out over the looming midterm elections, rather than trying to address the concerns of voters. Wolff says Trump's aides have been urging him to focus on the issues that matter most to voters, but the president has instead chosen to rant about personal grievances, from the Federal Reserve to his White House ballroom.

Why it matters

Trump's erratic behavior and failure to address key voter concerns could spell trouble for Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections, where Democrats have been energized and raising record amounts of campaign funds. Wolff's insights into Trump's mindset provide a window into the president's political vulnerabilities as the midterms approach.

The details

Wolff says Trump is not panicking about the midterms, but rather getting angry and looking to blame others. The president's aides have been urging him to 'course correct' and focus on the issues that matter most to voters, but Trump has instead doubled down on personal grievances. This includes reviving his controversial proposal to acquire Greenland, which Wolff says Trump has been discussing again in recent days.

  • The midterm elections are looming in November 2026.
  • A Fox News poll in late March found Trump's approval rating on taxes is 28 points underwater compared to the same period in his first term.
  • A Reuters/Ipsos poll released in April 2026 found only 24% of Americans believe Trump's war with Iran has been worth the high cost.

The players

Donald Trump

The 79-year-old President of the United States who is facing increasing political pressure ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Michael Wolff

A longtime biographer of Donald Trump who has provided insights into the president's mindset and behavior.

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What they’re saying

“Well, no, he's not panicked. He gets angry. I mean, Trump doesn't really panic.”

— Michael Wolff, Author

“It's not panic in that sense that, 'Oh, I've got a problem here and I've got to do something. I've got to solve the problem.' Rather, it's a different kind of response. It's blaming someone. It's rage. It's anger. So it's anger rather than panic. And he's starting to feel that, I think.”

— Michael Wolff, Author

What’s next

The midterm elections in November 2026 will be a crucial test for Trump and the Republican Party, as Democrats look to make gains in Congress.

The takeaway

Trump's inability to course-correct and address the concerns of voters could spell trouble for Republicans in the upcoming midterms, as the president's erratic behavior and focus on personal grievances alienates key constituencies.