President Donald Trump has ignited fresh intrigue ahead of the midterm elections by hinting at “big surprises” alongside Russ Vought, the White House budget chief and a key figure behind Project 2025. He did not provide further details on what might be planned. Trump mentioned during an event in Maryland, “We have some big surprises coming up in a few weeks, right Russ? He’s gonna be one of the important people in the history of our country.”
This vague comment has led to speculation about potential actions that may affect the elections. Critics, such as Jessica Tarlov, a political strategist for the Democratic Party and Fox News host, have expressed concern. She commented on X, “Between this and his ‘midterm surprise,’ the time to prepare for him to try to steal an election is now.” Similarly, Joyce Vance, a lawyer and former U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, remarked, “Election interference in the offing.”
Others have focused on Trump’s choice of collaborator. Anthony Scaramucci, a former White House communications director, noted that Trump’s remarks contrast with his 2024 campaign’s efforts to distance himself from the conservative policy blueprint and its contributors. Scaramucci said, “Of course he said in July 2024 he had nothing to do with Project 2025 and he didn’t know Russ.” Despite this, neither Trump nor the White House have confirmed any connection between the comment and the election.
Attention has also shifted to Vought’s responsibilities, which include managing federal spending, grants, workforce policy, and wider attempts to reshape the federal government. Matt Klink, a Republican strategist and president of Klink Campaigns, previously stated to Newsweek that Trump’s mention of a “midterm surprise” likely aims to motivate voters rather than refer to a specific event. Klink explained, “Trump’s remarks about a ‘Midterm Surprise’ are spin, and the spin is the point. Trump tied the line to his Nebraska rally crowds and enthusiasm. That’s a turnout message, not a classified briefing.”
Newsweek has reached out to the White House, Office of Management and Budget, and America First Policy Institute for comment. This story is still developing and updates will follow as new information becomes available.
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