Alex Isenstadt

1 week ago | axios.com | Alex Isenstadt

Photo illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios. Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty ImagesPresident Trump's team has launched an early and aggressive behind-the-scenes effort to maintain the GOP's tenuous grip on the House in 2026 — and avoid his third impeachment. Why it matters: Trump allies believe — with good reason — that a Democrat-controlled House would launch investigations of the president and move to impeach him.

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Marc Caputo |Alex Isenstadt

Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the 61st Munich Security Conference in February. Photo: Sean Gallup/Getty ImagesPresident Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have orchestrated a vast restructuring of the National Security Council, reducing its size and transferring many of its powers to the State and Defense departments. Why it matters: Trump's White House sees the NSC as notoriously bureaucratic and filled with longtime officials who don't share the president's vision.

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Alex Isenstadt

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.). Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty ImagesPresident Trump's political operation has been fielding calls from Republicans interested in waging a primary challenge to Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, according to a person familiar with the talks.

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Alex Isenstadt

Chris LaCivita deplanes in Wisconsin during the 2024 campaign. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)Texas Sen. John Cornyn has enlisted Chris LaCivita, a top political adviser to President Trump, to help him beat back a primary challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Why it matters: LaCivita's involvement doesn't guarantee an endorsement from Trump in what is expected to be the GOP's most expensive Senate primary.

3 weeks ago | axios.com | Alex Isenstadt

Photo illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios. Photos: Kevin Dietsch and Kent Nishimura/Getty ImagesPresident Trump is taking steps to clear the Republican primary field for Rep. Elise Stefanik to run for New York governor, bolstering an ally once poised to serve in his administration. Why it matters: A pair of moves by Trump last week amount to a green light for Stefanik to jump into what early polls suggest could be a tight battle next year against New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D).