The Latest: Trump predicts Cabinet changes after midterms
President Donald Trump is forecasting Cabinet changes after the election, calling such adjustments "very customary" but offering no timeline for them
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on President Donald Trump and midterm elections (all times local):
2:38 p.m.
President Donald Trump is forecasting Cabinet changes after the election, calling such adjustments "very customary" but offering no timeline for them.
Still, Trump says Monday that he's supported by "some really talented people" and that "for the most part, I love my Cabinet." The president answered questions from reporters before he boarded Air Force One for a flight to Ohio for the first of three closing campaign rallies.
Trump replied that he was "surprised" by a question about whether he planned to replace Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.
He also said Ryan Zinke has done a "very good job" as Interior secretary despite a series of inquiries into his conduct, including one matter that's been referred to the Justice Department for further investigation.
Trump says he'll review any reports about Zinke's conduct.
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11:33 a.m.
President Donald Trump is imploring his supporters to vote on Tuesday, saying the media will treat the midterm results as a referendum on his presidency.
Trump is telling supporters on a tele-town hall organized by his re-election campaign that, even though he's not on the ballot, "in a certain way I am on the ballot."
He adds that, "whether we consider it or not, the press is very much considering it a referendum on me and us as a movement."
Trump is also making the case that, if Democrats win control of Congress, they will work to roll back everything he's tried to achieve, saying "it's all fragile."
Also joining the call were Trump's son, Eric Trump, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other Republican leaders.
Trump is holding three get-out-the-vote rallies Monday in Ohio, Indiana and Missouri.
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11:21 a.m.
President Donald Trump is stoking anxiety about illegal voting — a practice found to be rare — on the eve of Tuesday's elections.
Trump tweeted Monday that "Law Enforcement has been strongly notified to watch closely for any ILLEGAL VOTING which may take place in Tuesday's Election (or Early Voting). Anyone caught will be subject to the Maximum Criminal Penalties allowed by law. Thank you!"
Trump repeatedly claimed after taking office and without evidence that 3 million to 5 million people voted illegally in 2016. He claims that's why Democrat Hillary Clinton received nearly 3 million more votes than Trump nationwide.
Studies have found voter fraud in the U.S. to be rare. The Brennan Center for Justice found that most reported cases can be traced to other sources, such as clerical errors.
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12:33 a.m.
The president and a former president are putting in their closing arguments with time running out before crucial midterm elections.
President Donald Trump urged voters in Tennessee and Georgia Sunday to back Republicans in statewide races, warning that Democrats favor high taxes and illegal immigration. Democrats offered former President Barack Obama for their closing argument. Appearing in Indiana, and later in Chicago, Obama warned Democrats not to be distracted by lies and fear-mongering.
Trump appeared to distance himself from the fate of House Republican candidates as he devotes his final time before Tuesday's midterm elections to helping Senate and gubernatorial candidates.