In the final weeks leading up to the 2026 midterm elections, President Donald Trump’s administration has been marked by internal turmoil and public controversy. Last week, the president bypassed his White House chief of staff to appoint Katie Zacharia as his new press secretary, a move that quickly drew widespread criticism concerning her qualifications. Zacharia resigned on Friday after just a few days in the role, intensifying perceptions of instability within the White House.

Meanwhile, senior aide Susie Wiles, considered the most experienced member of the president’s team, has come under scrutiny amid growing voter concerns over government corruption. According to a recent Fox News poll, corruption has emerged as the leading issue for the electorate, overtaking economic worries. This shift poses a significant challenge for the administration as the midterms approach.

Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio has remained notably quiet in response to President Trump’s recent decision to finalize a deal with Moscow involving diesel fuel sales. Critics argue the arrangement could indirectly support Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, where U.S. backing for Kyiv remains strong among the American public. Trump’s approval ratings continue to lag, particularly regarding foreign policy; more than two-thirds of Americans disapprove of his handling of international affairs and voice support for Ukraine’s resistance.

Further complicating the administration’s position, the White House was compelled Thursday to retract a controversial plan authorized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Pentagon to livestream the execution by firing squad of a convicted mass shooter. The reversal came amid public backlash and added to perceptions of inconsistent leadership in the government’s final stretch before the elections.

Once considered a relatively stable administration over the past two years, the White House appears to be reverting to the disarray often associated with President Trump’s earlier political tenure. With less than two weeks until Election Day, the management of the president’s team and broader policy decisions are under intense examination as voters head to the polls.