Trump Aims to Reclaim His 2016 Campaign Magic

A strategic shift is unfolding within Donald Trump’s campaign team as it faces challenges in the wake of Vice President Kamala Harris’s unexpected entrance into the race. With polling numbers and fundraising efforts trailing, Trump’s campaign has decided to reintegrate several familiar staff members from previous campaigns, signaling a significant change in approach.

Among the five new additions are Corey Lewandowski, Tim Murtaugh, and Taylor Budowich, all of whom have played key roles in past Trump campaigns. Lewandowski, who was Trump’s campaign manager in 2016, has remained a close ally despite his departure from the 2016 campaign. Murtaugh served as the communications director during the 2020 campaign, and Budowich was a senior aide with ties to the pro-Trump super PAC, MAGA Inc.

Joining them are Alex Pfeiffer and Alex Bruesewitz, also former officials from MAGA Inc. This roster comes at a critical moment as the Trump campaign attempts to regain its footing against a resurgent Democratic ticket.

Since Kamala Harris emerged at the forefront of the Democratic race, Trump’s campaign has struggled to articulate a coherent message or counter-punch effectively against her momentum. Harris’s fundraising achievements and rising favorability in swing states have added pressure on Trump’s team to respond more decisively.

There are growing concerns among Trump’s allies regarding his campaign strategy. Supporters are urging the former president to concentrate on substantive issues rather than launching vague attacks against Democratic opponents. Trump himself has expressed dissatisfaction regarding the shift in dynamics since President Biden exited the race.

In a conversation relayed by an ally, Trump lamented the unfairness of needing to compete against a new Democratic VP candidate after having previously faced Biden, saying, “It’s unfair that I beat him, and now I have to beat her, too.”

In response to these pressures, familiar faces from Trump’s past have stepped back into the fold. GOP strategist Evan Siegfried observed that campaigns often turn to trusted individuals when a candidate feels agitated about their standing, claiming it helps to maintain morale and comfort in uncertain times.

Lewandowski, despite past controversies—including his firing from the 2016 campaign over an incident involving a Breitbart reporter and more recent allegations of misconduct—has remained a steadfast member of Trump’s inner circle. His previous ousting was marred by allegations that prosecutors eventually declined to pursue due to insufficient evidence.

In 2021, an accusation from a top donor led to misdemeanor charges against Lewandowski, which were later resolved through a deal where he completed a training course and community service. Despite these challenges, Trump has kept the door open for Lewandowski’s involvement in his campaign.

Trump’s co-campaign managers, Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, have noted that these new hires, all experienced in Trump-related campaigns, are expected to bolster the campaign’s strategy against Harris and Tim Walz, whom they label as “the most radical ticket in American history.”

How these changes will impact the campaign dynamics remains uncertain. Lewandowski has stepped into a senior advisory role, and speculation surrounding potential future candidates, like Kellyanne Conway, has also emerged.

Conway, who gained prominence as the first woman to lead a Republican presidential campaign, left the Trump administration in 2020. Since then, she has engaged with media and announced intentions to represent Ukrainian interests as a lobbyist. This decision has raised eyebrows among Trump’s loyalists, some of whom fear Conway is leveraging her past ties with the former president.

Despite mixed feelings about reintroducing Conway into the campaign circle, sources indicate that Trump’s team is open to the idea, recognizing the need for adaptation in light of the new Democratic candidates.

In a recent social media post, Trump expressed enthusiasm about welcoming seasoned campaign veterans, stating, “The enthusiasm is great, and the management team… is the best.” He encouraged further participation from familiar faces to build momentum for the upcoming challenges.

The campaign’s path forward hinges on how effectively these experienced staff members can articulate a clear and compelling message against the newly energized Democratic challenge as Trump works to reposition his strategy.

Source: Business Insider