Why it matters: Trump’s planned July 26 visit — a headline event for the America First Policy Institute — comes as committee hearings on Jan. 6 add to speculation that his influence in the Republican Party may be waning.
A new poll shows nearly half of the party’s voters want a new GOP nominee for president in 2024, with a growing number pledging to abandon him if he wins. The House Select Committee hearings have dominated headlines and cable news coverage as former top Trump officials and aides recount bombshell evidence linking the former president to the Capitol attack.
News guide: Trump to deliver keynote address at 3 p.m. ET on the second day of the group’s policy summit, which will also feature discussions and presentations by several high-profile Republican leaders, including former Trump administration officials, members of Congress, governors and state officials.
The event is by invitation only and not open to the general public, but will be broadcast live and open to the press. The team says it has yet to announce the specific location for security reasons.
Details: The America First Policy Institute is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit research institute led by senior Trump administration officials, including former Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon, former National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow and former Director of the Brooke Rollins Domestic Policy Council.
The retreat is expected to focus on lowering energy and gasoline prices, fighting inflation, “controlling” children’s education, crime and borders, among other things.
Expected attendees and speakers include:
Eight former Cabinet-level officials: McMahon, former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe, former US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, former Energy Secretary Rick Perry, former Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf, former Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker, former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie and former Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt. 8 Former Trump White House Officials: Kudlow; Rollins? Kellyanne Conway, former senior adviser; General Keith Kellogg, former national security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence. Kevin Hassett, former chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers; Fred Fleitz, former chief of staff to national security adviser John Bolton. Scott Turner, former executive director of the Trump White House Council on Opportunity and Revitalization, and Pastor Paula White-Cain. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. 13 members of the House, including Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.); 10 GOP senators: Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mt.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Lindsey Graham (RS.C.), Bill Hagerty ( R-Tenn.), Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), James Langford (R-Okla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.). Three former GOP governors: Phil Bryant of Mississippi and Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, plus Perry (former governor of Texas).
