Katie Zacharia’s brief tenure as press secretary for former President Donald Trump came to an abrupt end on Friday after just five days on the job, drawing attention away from a series of challenges facing the White House amid the critical run-up to the November midterm elections. Zacharia’s departure marked the latest in a string of setbacks for Trump’s administration at a time when Republican candidates are struggling to solidify support.

In recent days, Trump’s administration has seen its envoy to Greece removed over allegations of graft, a controversial decision to halt a planned live broadcast of an execution by firing squad involving Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan, and denials of reports that chief of staff Susie Wiles, recently recovered from cancer and under scrutiny due to her daughter’s connections to lobbyists linked with a pro-Russian Balkan entity, would be leaving her post. Trump dismissed speculation about Wiles’s exit, stating there was “zero chance” of her departure.

Republicans are currently reallocating resources across key races in an attempt to strengthen their position, particularly in Florida, Nebraska, and Kansas—where they increased advertising expenditure from $5 million to $21 million to support an incumbent senator in a state Democrats have not won in nearly a century. Conversely, spending has been reduced in the swing state of North Carolina. Polls consistently show low approval ratings for Trump, with many voters citing tariffs, foreign policy including the Iran conflict, rising gas prices, and corruption as concerns, leading some candidates to distance themselves from certain presidential policies.

Behind the scenes, the architects of Trump’s midterm campaign strategy, Chris LaCivita and James Blair, traveled to advise the pro-Russian government of Republika Srpska in the Balkans. Trump has warned he could “terminate” them if conflicts of interest are found. The group employing them, Maga Inc, declined to comment on their roles.

On the international front, oil prices reached $110 a barrel for the first time since May amid fears of escalating tensions in the Middle East. European leaders expressed frustration with Trump’s agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin concerning diesel reserves, as well as his failure to prevent a temporary slowdown of Starlink satellite services in Ukraine.

Reports from within the administration suggest further staff turnover could occur after the midterms. Meanwhile, speculation is growing around potential successors to Wiles, with Trump’s deputy chief of staff and immigration advocate Stephen Miller discussed as a possible replacement, as well as Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, who has denied seeking the role.

Supporters of Miller emphasize his role in shaping immigration policies that helped secure votes. Greg Bovino, Trump’s former border patrol head, argued that whoever manages the White House should actively support mass deportations, suggesting those who do not might obstruct the agenda.

In response to ongoing media reports, the White House dismissed claims of internal discord as “FAKE NEWS,” asserting the team remains focused and united on winning the midterms. The Republican National Committee also emphasized party unity behind Trump’s agenda, highlighting efforts to cut taxes, lower drug costs, and ensure community security.

Some conservative voices criticized the administration’s performance more sharply. Commentator Todd Starnes called for staffers to resign if they used their positions for self-promotion or personal gain, while right-wing podcast host Matt Walsh condemned the handling of the planned execution’s announcement and subsequent retraction as careless.

At a Republican fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago on Friday, Trump expressed confidence that his tax policies and military actions in Venezuela and Iran would aid the party’s success on November 3. Acknowledging the historical difficulty for incumbent presidents in winning midterms, he nevertheless described his administration’s efforts as “amazing” and claimed they have “saved our country.”