Republican Anxiety Grows Over Trump-Linked 'Bloodbath' Fears Ahead of Midterms

Concern is reportedly growing within the Republican Party over its prospects in the upcoming US midterm elections, with factors including the war with Iran, rising prices and President Donald Trump's low approval ratings cited as giving Democrats an advantage, according to the Guardian.

At the Republican Party's recent midterm convention, Trump reportedly offered $5,000 checks to supporters and warned that the United States could become a "communist country" if Democrats win control of Congress, remarks the report characterizes as an aggressive push to shore up support ahead of the vote.

Despite the intensity of the convention messaging, the report notes there is no clear indication so far that the effort has shifted the political trajectory, even as several states have already begun sending out mail ballots ahead of the 3 November election.

Historically, the president's party has tended to lose ground in Congress during midterm elections, a pattern that had already suggested Republicans faced a difficult path to retaining control before the additional pressures cited in the report.

Republicans have poured significant financial resources into a number of competitive races, according to the report, in an effort to offset the broader political headwinds facing the party heading into the vote.

The outcome of the November midterms will determine which party controls both chambers of Congress for the remainder of Trump's presidential term.