New midterm ad from Trump 2020 campaign warns that 'this could all go away'


President Trump's 2020 re-election campaign just released a new ad ahead of the midterm elections, although Trump himself is nowhere to be found in it.
The video revolves around a mother who feels hopeful that "things are starting to change" after the economic recession. She watches as a TV news story reports that the unemployment rate is at its lowest level in 18 years. She reflects back on how badly the economy was doing around 2010 and then ominously warns that "this could all go away," while looking at a sign that says "Vote Republican." After the woman votes for a Republican candidate in the midterms, the ad flashes forward to a bright future. "Things are getting better," text on the screen declares. "We can't go back."
The fact that the ad was paid for by the Trump 2020 campaign is highly unusual; Brad Parscale, campaign manager for Trump's re-election, told CNN that this is a $6 million ad buy. When CBS This Morning asked Parscale why Trump himself doesn't appear in the commercial, he said that "the president is not on the ballot." He did add, however, that "this is about his agenda." Trump himself previously said that "I am on the ticket" this November. Watch the ad below. Brendan Morrow
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Could U.S. Tomahawk missiles help Ukraine end the war?
Today's Big Question Or is Trump bluffing?
-
Political cartoons for October 17
Cartoons Friday's editorial cartoons include Tomahawk missile talk, the price of red meat, and the bestest boy reports from the Pentagon press room
-
The ‘swag gap’: are you better than your partner?
In The Spotlight The viral terminology sheds light on power dynamics in modern relationships
-
Pentagon reporters turn in badges after refusing rules
Speed Read They refused to sign a restrictive new press policy imposed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
-
Supreme Court points to gutting Voting Rights Act
speed read States would no longer be required to consider race when drawing congressional maps
-
Trump says he authorized covert CIA ops in Venezuela
Speed Read He is also considering military strikes inside the country
-
‘Vile, racist’ leaked chats roil Young Republicans
Speed Read Leaders of Young Republican groups made racist, antisemitic and violent comments in private chats
-
Trump ties $20B Argentina bailout to Milei votes
speed read Trump will boost Argentina’s economy — if the country’s right-wing president wins upcoming elections
-
News organizations reject Pentagon restrictions
Speed Read The proposed policy is Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s latest move to limit press access at the Pentagon
-
Trump declares end to Gaza war, ‘dawn’ of new Mideast
Speed Read Hamas freed the final 20 living Israeli hostages and Israel released thousands of Palestinian detainees
-
Trump DOJ indicts New York AG Letitia James
Speed Read New York Attorney General Letitia James was indicted as Trump’s Justice Department pursues charges against his political opponents