Trump Backs Whatley in NC Senate Race | Johannesburg News

Trump’s making his first major campaign stop in North Carolina to rally behind Senate hopeful Michael Whatley, turning the race into a referendum on his presidency—even though he’s not on the ballot. With Whatley trailing former Governor Roy Cooper and facing economic headwinds like soaring gas prices, Trump’s strategy hinges on energizing GOP voters while trying to win over swing and unaffiliated voters. The race opened after Senator Thom Tillis stepped aside amid reported tensions with Trump, and despite strong GOP support for Trump, moderates are increasingly skeptical of his leadership—making affordability and crime central issues in this high-stakes battle for North Carolina’s Senate seat. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Sources:https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/world/2026-09-16-trump-seeks-to-rebuild-support-among-2024-voters-in-north-carolina/ More coverage & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/1ede3b8e3619aa2e Report issues to [email protected].