The Memo: Slew of Trump controversies gives headache to Republicans in midterms

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Today's Top Stories - September 28, 2026

Today's Top Stories - September 28, 2026

There are just five weeks left until Election Day, and President Trump’s propensity for generating controversy is undimmed — much to the chagrin of some in his own party.

Poll after poll shows Trump’s approval ratings to be low, with voters voicing concern about the cost of living, the economy and the war on Iran.

But the Trump furors that have dominated recent days are drawn from a whole different realm.

Over the weekend, Trump’s ambassador to China told “Fox News Sunday” that the president had asked Chinese President Xi Jinping during his recent visit if he would like to purchase some U.S. armaments. It was a startling claim, given Beijing’s status as America’s most dangerous rival. 

Also over the weekend, it emerged that a Trump campaign ad from early 2024 was getting another turn on the nation’s airwaves but this time “paid for by the U.S. government.” It is at least the second Trump-centric ad to receive taxpayer funding, provoking uproar.

Meanwhile, the president’s row with the media rumbles on, despite a judge last week issuing a temporary restraining order halting Trump’s proposed ban of CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House.

Other recent spats include turmoil at Washington’s Kennedy Center and the president’s suggestion that the large arch he wishes to erect near the National Mall should also “have and hold large quantities of sniper ammunition in storage.”

Monday was, as of 6 p.m. EDT, a relatively quiet day on the Trump-furor front, though he did find time to call Canada “one of........

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