Trump hosts GOP lawmakers for Rose Garden dinner

Former President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he will host a dinner for battleground Republican lawmakers at the White House Rose Garden. The event is scheduled for Friday night and will bring together senators and representatives from states such as Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, and Wisconsin—key races in the 2024 election cycle. Trump’s invitation comes as the Republican Party seeks to shore up its congressional majorities ahead of the midterms.

The dinner matters because Republicans are under pressure to maintain control of both chambers of Congress. In the last election, the party held a slim majority that could be tipped by a few swing seats. Trump’s name still carries significant weight with Republican voters, and he has reportedly built a $400 million war chest that could be deployed to support candidates in close contests. By convening these lawmakers, Trump is positioning himself as the financial kingmaker who can help keep the party in power.

Attendees will include Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s rivals, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s challengers, and several freshman members who have pledged loyalty to Trump. The dinner will feature a keynote address from Trump himself, followed by a presentation of the war chest’s allocation plan. Republican leaders have responded positively, with several senators calling the event a “strategic opportunity” to secure the party’s future. Critics, however, worry that the funding could influence policy decisions and erode congressional independence.

If the war chest is released as promised, it could fund targeted advertising, get‑out‑the‑vote efforts, and other campaign operations in the most competitive districts. The next step will be a formal vote by the Republican caucus to approve the spending. Once approved, the money could be distributed in the next few weeks, giving candidates a boost as the 2024 midterms approach. The outcome of this dinner will likely shape the political landscape in the coming months, determining which party holds the upper hand in Washington.