‘We can’t let them control the narrative’: Republicans panic as leaked memo exposes their biggest fear

A recently leaked five-page memo from the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) reveals the party’s strategic plans to defend President Donald Trump’s megabill during Congress’s August recess. The document, obtained by Politico, outlines detailed instructions for Republican House members on how to handle communication about the bill ahead of next year’s midterms.

The NRCC’s memo urges Republican lawmakers to actively promote the megabill instead of staying quiet while Democrats push their own narrative about the legislation being a tax cut for the wealthy. The party leadership wants members to take control of the message, particularly regarding controversial aspects like Medicaid changes.

“We can’t let them control the narrative,” the NRCC stressed in the memo, highlighting the party’s growing concern about Democratic attacks on the bill. The document specifically warns members about “trackers,” or political operatives who might try to catch them off message during their time back home.

How Republicans plan to counter Democratic criticism

The memo suggests several strategies for Republican members to promote the bill’s benefits. These include organizing roundtables, visiting hospitals, restaurants, and small businesses, and conducting in-person interviews with local media outlets. The NRCC wants its members to focus on key areas such as tax relief, immigration, business reforms, and “holding elites accountable.”

Republicans are particularly concerned about how Democrats might frame the Medicaid cuts in the bill. The NRCC advises members to present these changes as improvements that will strengthen the program, pointing to polls showing voter support for work requirements and removing ineligible recipients.

The Democratic response has already begun taking shape, with the party planning rallies in red districts across the country, using tactics similar to the disturbing anti-Republican advertisements that have recently angered Trump and mobilized GOP opposition. Democrats aim to characterize the bill as a tax cut for the wealthy that hurts Americans who rely on programs like Medicaid and SNAP. DCCC spokesperson Viet Shelton called it “The Big, Ugly Law” and “a political disaster.”

NRCC chair Rep. Richard Hudson has expressed concerns about Democrats “hijacking” town halls, suggesting members use alternative methods to communicate with constituents. The memo emphasizes the importance of maintaining a “disciplined and compelling communications effort” to counter Democratic messaging, especially given that control of the House could be decided by just a few seats in the upcoming midterms.

With Vice President JD Vance already implementing this strategy by calling out Ohio Democratic lawmakers during a recent rally, following the Republican playbook of aggressive political messaging that aims to energize the base, the memo represents Republicans’ determination to maintain control over the megabill’s narrative. The document reflects the party’s understanding that the messaging battle over the legislation will be crucial in determining the outcome of the 2026 midterm elections.