Trump hits North Carolina rally to energize Whatley bid amid midterm headwinds

Trump returned to the campaign trail in North Carolina to back Senate hopeful Michael Whatley, telling voters to “pretend I’m on the ticket” as Republicans try to mobilize their base against Democrat Roy Cooper. He framed the race as a referendum on Cooper’s governorship, invoking a Willie Horton–style contrast on crime and portraying Whatley as a law-and-order candidate, a line Democrats criticized. The event underscores Republicans’ effort to flip a key NC seat amid broader midterm challenges, while Trump also attacked the Fed as it raised interest rates, highlighting economic headwinds for his party.