Trump stumps to keep Tenn. in the red

Seat left by retiring Corker critical for GOP control of the Senate

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned his supporters against being “complacent” this fall, asking voters to send more Republicans to Congress while crediting Democrats with “sticking together” to oppose his agenda.

Trump traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, as he steps up his efforts to stop Democrats aiming to regain control of the House or Senate — if not both.

“We need Marsha in the Senate to continue the amazing progress and work that we’ve done over the last year and a half,” Trump said of Republican Rep. Marsha Blackburn, who’s running for a Senate seat. “To keep on winning, you have to vote Republican in November.”

Trump also headlined a fundraiser for Blackburn, who is expected to face Democratic former Gov. Phil Bredesen to replace Republican Sen. Bob Corker, who is retiring. The Tennessee campaign is among several races crucial to Trump’s plans to maintain control of the Senate, where Republicans are defending a narrow two-seat majority.

Trump criticized Bredesen for being backed by national Democrats, including the Senate and House leaders.

“He’s a tool of Chuck Schumer and of course the MS-13 lover Nancy Pelosi,” Trump said. Earlier this month, House Democratic Leader Pelosi criticized Trump’s rhetoric and policies on immigrants after he called members of the international gang “animals.”

Trump added that Bredesen donated to Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in 2016, saying, “Phil Bredesen supported her and he supported her ideas.”

Trump plans a series of political rallies and events in the coming months to boost Republicans. He says his supporters can’t sit back and relax this fall. “That’s the worst thing that can happen,” he said.

“In November, we will reverse a trend,” Trump added, alluding to recent precedent in which the party holding the White House tends to lose congressional seats.