Trump delivered his comments at the opening of a full-day policy forum for House Republicans held at the Trump–Kennedy Center, a performing arts venue recently renamed in his honor. There, he acknowledged that parts of his agenda had failed to connect with the public, while also criticizing the media for what he described as a lack of coverage of his accomplishments—particularly on illegal immigration and a recent agreement aimed at reducing prescription drug prices.

Despite highlighting those achievements, Trump encouraged Republicans to center their campaigns on more divisive cultural issues, including transgender women’s participation in sports and efforts to combat violent crime.

He also pressed lawmakers to put aside internal disagreements and present a unified front if they hoped to defeat Democrats in November.

Healthcare, especially abortion policy, was another focus of Trump’s message. He urged Republicans to reclaim the issue from Democrats and adopt a more pragmatic approach, amid internal disputes over the Hyde Amendment, a long-standing law restricting federal funding for abortions.

“You have to be a little flexible,” Trump told lawmakers. “You’ve got to work something out.”

Additionally, the president reiterated his support for stricter voter ID requirements—a topic that remains closely associated with his continued, unsubstantiated claims that the 2020 election was rigged against him by Joe Biden, claims that helped fuel the January 6 Capitol unrest.