



Advisers want Trump to focus on the economy. It’s easier said than done.
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. WASHINGTON—President Trump delivered what his advisers billed as a marquee speech about the economy on Thursday afternoon. But for much of the day, Trump had other matters on his mind.
On Thursday morning, he met with world leaders at the newly renamed Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace to discuss his plans for the “rebirth" of Gaza. Trump warned “bad things will happen" if Iran doesn’t make a deal on its nuclear program, as he weighs a strike on the country.
In remarks to reporters in the afternoon, Trump accused former President Barack Obama of leaking classified information about the existence of aliens. On social media, the president thanked members of a Washington commission for approving design plans for a new White House ballroom. The scenes captured the dynamic that is testing the president and worrying Republicans.
With the midterm elections fast approaching, advisers want Trump to stay laser-focused on the economy. But foreign affairs and other issues have continuously captured his attention. “MAGA trusts President Trump deeply on national security decisions—but the specter of the midterms now hangs over every action," said Steve Bannon, a former senior adviser to Trump.
“They have his back, but are anxious about the next roll of the ‘iron dice.’" Trump visited Rome, Ga., for Thursday’s speech on the economy. He used the backdrop of a company that makes steel racks to tout tariffs and talk up regulatory cuts, stock market gains and billions of pledged foreign investments in the U.S. Trump highlighted his “no tax on tips" policy and investment accounts for newborns.
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