Brits taking statins should be warned about a rare but serious side effect, health chiefs have said.

Seven types of the cholesterol-busting pills, including all five dished out in the UK, have been linked to myasthenia gravis — a long-term muscle-weakening condition that can be life-threatening in severe cases. 

Patients taking the once-a-day pill should watch out for symptoms including droopy eyelids, double vision and difficulty swallowing, the medicines watchdog warned.

Atorvastatin, sold under the brand name Lipitor, pravastatin (Lipostat) and lovastatin (Mevacor) — taken by millions and proven to cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes— are among the varieties affected. 

Cases of myasthenia gravis were also detected among patients taking fluvastatin (Lescol), simvastatin (Zocor), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and pitavastatin (Livalo).

The fresh advice from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) states that a ‘very small number’ of myasthenia gravis cases have been linked to statin use.

Around 9.5million Brits take statins, which usually must be taken for life to keep cholesterol low. 

It is thought the complication is ‘very infrequent’, the MHRA said.

Just 10 cases have been reported to the MHRA in the last three decades. Sufferers were in their 60s, on average. 

Symptoms began between a few day and three months of taking statins. No cases were fatal.

Most patients who suffered the side effect recovered after they stopped taking the medication but a minority continued to suffer from symptoms.

Some of those who restarted their medication or tried a different type of statin reported that their symptoms came back.

The MHRA told medics to refer patients suffering new-onset myasthenia gravis after starting statins to a neurology specialist. 

And patients who already have the condition should monitor whether their symptoms worsen while taking the drugs, it said.

Patients may need to stop taking statins depending on their individual benefits and risks, the watchdog said.

The warning comes after the European Medicines Agency in January ordered drug makers behind the seven types of statins to amend their in-pack leaflet to include a warning about myasthenia gravis.

The MHRA said this review was considered by one of its sub-committees, which agreed with the recommendations.

It said statin drug makers will have to explain that there is a risk of myasthenia gravis but that it is ‘not known’ how common it is.

Statins work by lowering the levels of ‘bad’ low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol produced by the liver. 

Too much LDL cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis — when the arteries harden and narrow — heart attacks, strokes and heart disease.

Brits diagnosed with a form of cardiovascular disease or those who have a family history of the condition may be recommended the medication.

Headaches, nausea and diarrhoea are well-known mild side effects from taking statins. But the MHRA warning adds myasthenia gravis to the list.

The condition weakens muscles, most commonly those that control the eyes, eyelids, facial expressions, chewing, swallowing and speaking. 

Difficulties making facial expressions, slurred speech weak shortness of breath are among the common symptoms.

Triggers, such as stress, tiredness and excess exercise, can worsen symptoms, as well as medicines, including antibiotics and beta-blockers. 

Medicine to boost muscle strength and surgery to remove a small gland in the chest that has been linked to myasthenia gravis may be offered to ease symptoms. 

While the condition doesn’t affect life expectancy for most people, it can be life-threatening if weakens the muscles needed for breathing.

Soaring temperatures in the UK pose a ‘serious health risk’, experts have warned amid fears heatwave-related injuries and illnesses will pile pressure on the already overstretched NHS.

Britain could enjoy the hottest day of the year so far today as temperatures are expected to soar to 33C (91F) after some areas entered an official heatwave for the first time since June.

But health experts fear great swathes of the population, especially the elderly and those with dementia, will be hit by heat-related sickness — increasing demand for NHS services.

NHS buildings are already ‘ill-equipped’ to deal with the mercury rising to levels normally reserved for the early summer months, with hospitals frequently experiencing overheating incidents, with some even being forced to cancel operations or shut wards when temperatures soar. 

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has upgraded its heat health alert to amber across every region of England apart from the North East, where a yellow alert is in place.

The six-day alert, which began yesterday and will run until Sunday night, warns of higher death rates and ‘significant impacts’ on vulnerable people and the NHS.

Dr Adrian Boyle, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, told MailOnline: ‘We know that climate change is making our summers hotter, and society needs to acknowledge and be alive to the serious health risk that extreme heat presents.

‘Last summer we saw temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celsius and there were more than 3,000 excess deaths associated with the heat.

‘Hot weather is of particular risk to people who are frail or suffering from dementia who may be less able to respond to their body’s own warning signs.

‘People experiencing mental ill health – especially those taking anti-psychotic medication – are also disproportionately affected, similarly people experiencing homelessness who may not be able to find shelter or easy access to water.’

He added: ‘Our advice would be to ensure that people check on anyone who is older, has existing health problems or frailties.

‘Try to stay out of the heat as much as possible and keep hydrated by drinking lots of non-alcoholic fluids.’

Dr Layla McCay, director of policy at the NHS Confederation, said: ‘Extreme weather can put added pressure on the NHS in terms of demand and affect the health of some people. 

‘Extreme heat or cold can also put additional pressure on often antiquated and ill-equipped NHS buildings and estates.

‘Temperatures this summer have not yet reached extremes, but health leaders would still encourage the public to stay safe in the sun and keep hydrated during the current warm weather.’

One major concern, heat exhaustion is triggered by the body being unable to cool itself down.

It can cause dizziness, excessive sweating and lead to potentially fatal heat stroke. 

The Met Office said areas in West Yorkshire, Cornwall, Devon and Wales hit heatwave criteria yesterday, with more regions expected to be added to that list today.

While the hottest UK temperature recorded yesterday was 30.7C (87.3F) in West Sussex, forecasters said a new record is likely either today or tomorrow.

Some 13 weather stations have now marked this period as an official heatwave, which is at least three days in a row with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold — a figure which varies by region.

It has seen autumn begin in an unseasonably warm fashion after a disappointing summer when Britain endured its sixth wettest July since records began. 

A spokesperson for UKHSA also told MailOnline today: ‘We may begin to see some health impacts across the wider population, and an increase in risk to health for individuals aged over 65 years or those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

‘The UKHSA Adverse Weather and Health Plan has guidance for the NHS and care home managers or those who look after vulnerable people. 

‘It outlines the key areas where the public sector, independent sector, voluntary sector, health and social care organisations and local communities can work together to maintain and improve planning and response during spells of hot weather.’

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, added: ‘Many of us will welcome the hot weather over the coming days, but it is important to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun and look out for those who are more vulnerable to the effects of heat.

‘We advise you to check on older family members, friends, or neighbours and those with heart or lung conditions.

‘Staying hydrated and keeping cool is crucial for everyone during hot weather, while enjoying the sun.’

If the hottest day of 2023 is achieved this week, it would be the first time since 2016 — and before that the 1950s — that the UK’s warmest day of the year has happened in September.

In addition, the highest temperature of the year has happened in September in just four years over the last century.

It comes as the Alzheimer’s Society also issued its own warning this morning of the effects of hot weather on people living with dementia. 

For those living with dementia and memory problems, dehydration is a ‘common challenge’, the charity said and advised families and carers could help by leaving glasses or jugs of water within easy reach.

Sharing a drink with the person, leaving reminders to drink and providing high water content foods, were among other key aids suggested. 

Jelly Drops, or ‘water sweets’ are another alternative way to help stay hydrated and help boost daily water intake. 

The colourful sweets, supported by Alzheimer’s Society, are bite-sized, sugar-free sweets containing 95 per cent water and added electrolytes.

Anna Smith, head of involvement at Alzheimer’s Society, said: ‘People should absolutely enjoy the nice weather we’re finally having, but it’s important to note that high temperatures can lead to severe health problems for people with dementia unless they take special precautions to keep cool and well-hydrated.

‘People with dementia may forget to drink enough fluids and wear suitable clothing. As the temperatures rise this week, we are urging families and carers to check in on people with dementia to make sure they are staying hydrated, wearing light clothes and keeping out of direct sun.

‘Popping round to check on a neighbour, friend or family member with dementia can help keep them safe during the hot weather.’

At least five House Republicans are urging their colleagues to come back to Washington, D.C., to hold an emergency hearing following allegations the Department of Justice ‘interfered’ with Hunter Biden‘s business partner Devon Archer’s testimony.

The Department of Justice sent an ‘odd’ letter over the weekend on July 29 to a New York judge calling for Archer’s sentencing for an unrelated fraud conviction to be expedited just days before his highly anticipated testimony. Hours later, DOJ issued a new letter attempting to clarify they never intended to see Archer locked up before he testifies behind closed doors Monday on the Biden’s business schemes.

Archer, a friend and business partner of Hunter Biden, is expected to give his bombshell account of the Biden family business dealings for four to five hours behind closed doors, and finally unmask Joe as the ‘Big Guy.’

Republicans say the last minute move by DOJ was an attempt to ‘intimidate’ Archer, who they view as being central to providing information that is critical to their ongoing investigation into the Biden family’s business dealings. 

Now, at least five GOP lawmakers are pushing for an ’emergency’ hearing on DOJ’s conduct. 

‘Two members of the House Judiciary Committee are now calling for lawmakers to return to Washington for immediate emergency hearings on the DOJ’s interference with Congressional Oversight,’ Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., tweeted on Sunday. 

‘This is all because Hunter’s problems and Joe’s problems merge with the testimony of Devin Archer. Time for Action. Right now,’ Gaetz continued.

‘I will join you back on the Hill,’ tweeted Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La.

Reps. Chip Roy, R-Texas, Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo., and Dan Bishop, R-N.C., pledged to join Johnson and Gaetz. 

Bishop tweeted: ‘I think you need five. Count me in. Subpoenas should fly tomorrow.’ 

Gaetz went farther, saying DOJ ‘is now actively committing the crime of obstructing a congressional investigation.’

He said heads will roll if Archer isn’t in the ‘witness chair’ on Monday. 

‘I’ll come back to Washington tomorrow to do this,’ he continued. 

The House of Representatives is out on August recess and won’t return to conduct official business in D.C. until mid-September.  

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said on his Verdict podcast that DOJ has engaged in ‘witness intimidation.’ 

‘This can only be understood as an attempt by the Biden DOJ to intimidate, to threaten Devon Archer, to tell him, ‘Shut up.’

‘We have the prosecutors and if you talk the consequences will be severe. This is on its face, I believe witness intimidation,’ continued Cruz.

House Oversight Chairman James Comer said Sunday that the Justice Department was acting unusually.

He accused the DOJ of using its July 29 letter to Abrams as an attempt to ‘intimidate’ the witness he says is key to getting to the bottom of the president’s son’s shady overseas business deals. 

Comer said on Fox’s Sunday Morning Futures: ‘It’s odd that it’s right before he’s scheduled to come in to have an opportunity to speak in front of the House Oversight Committee and tell the American people the truth about what really went on with Burisma.’ 

Hours later, the Justice Department issued a new letter saying they never intended to see Archer locked up before he testified to Congress. 

The letter read: ‘For the avoidance of all doubt, the Government requests that any surrender date, should the Court order one, be scheduled to occur after the defendant’s Congressional testimony is completed.’ 

A source close to Archer confirmed reports that he is set to testify about meetings he attended with his and Hunter’s foreign business partners, where the First Son allegedly had Joe Biden on speakerphone. 

DailyMail.com reported exclusively this week that Archer is ‘in hiding’ after receiving ‘threats’ leading up to his bombshell testimony. 

The House Oversight Committee will ask Archer about ‘whether foreign actors targeted the Bidens and if the president was involved in his family’s business dealings.’ 

Archer’s expected testimony Monday comes after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy indicated this week that he is mulling opening an impeachment inquiry into President Biden for his ‘lies’ about his involvement in Hunter’s dealings.

Archer, 48, was subpoenaed on June 12 by the House Oversight Committee, which is investigating Hunter’s businesses and whether he and other members of the Biden family improperly traded on their connections.

It is unclear the motivation behind Archer’s decision to testify on Monday. He previously cancelled on the committee at least three times in recent weeks. 

Chairman Comer told Fox News’ Larry Kudlow that Archer is appearing before his committee now because after he was subpoenaed, he ‘doesn’t have a whole lot of options.’

He said Republicans planned to hold him in contempt if he did not comply with the subpoena, which doesn’t ‘look good on your resume.’

‘At the end of the day, I think that Archer wants to do the right thing,’ he said. ‘I think he wants to set the record straight and he is going to have an opportunity to do that.’

A close associate of Archer told the New York Post he is testifying about his time working with Hunter because he believes it is his ‘civic duty.’ 

It comes as Archer is also facing legal troubles of his own and is expected to go to prison shortly.

He was sentenced to one year and a day in prison in February 2022 for defrauding a Native American tribal entity and various investment advisory clients of tens of millions of dollars, in connection with the issuance of $60 million in bonds. 

He is on the hook with his co-conspirators for $43.4 million in restitution over the fraud.

Archer’s lawyer confirmed his upcoming meeting with Congress, adding that Archer had previously testified to a federal grand jury about his dealings with the Biden family – likely referring to Delaware prosecutor David Weiss’ criminal investigation into the First Son.

‘Devon Archer believes strongly in the rule of law and the democratic system, and is prepared to answer the Committee’s questions just as he has already answered similar questions from a federal grand jury, the Department of Justice, and several other government agencies in their investigations concerning the Biden family,’ said attorney Matthew Schwartz of Boies Schiller Flexner.

‘There have been many leaks and much speculation about Mr. Archer’s potential statement to the Oversight Committee, but next week, Mr. Archer will get to speak for himself.’

The White House has maintained the president was never ‘in business’ with his son, but the GOP have ramped up their investigation with testimonies from whistleblowers and a slew of other evidence. 

Archer, 48, and Hunter both graduated from Yale and were friends for decades. Hunter has reportedly described Devon as his ‘best friend in business.’

Together they formed Rosemont Seneca Partners back in 2009, along with Christopher Heinz, the son-in-law of former Sen. John Kerry, kicking off a period of international business deals and jet-setting. 

Archer and Hunter Biden each landed lucrative seats on the board of Ukrainian energy firm Burisma, despite Hunter not having particular expertise in the field. The firm brought in a reported $11 million through the arrangement, based on information gleaned from Hunter’s infamous laptop.

They were photographed golfing with then-Vice President Biden back in 2014.

Hunter’s ex-business partner is planning to testify to the committee that Hunter used this speakerphone call tactic at least two dozen times, according to a New York Post report published Monday.

One alleged example is after a Burisma board meeting in Dubai on December 4, 2015.

Devon allegedly claims Hunter was with him, Burisma owner Nikolai Zlochevsky, and executive Vadym Pozharskyi at the bar of the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach.

Burisma executive Vadym Pozharskyi allegedly asked Hunter: ‘Can you ring your dad?’

According to the Post report, Hunter called Joe, introduced ‘Nikolai and Vadym’, and told his father they ‘need our support’.

Three days later Joe flew to address the Ukrainian parliament on the ‘poison of cronyism, corruption, and kleptocracy.’

At the time, Zlochevsky was under criminal investigation in Ukraine, and had his assets seized. But in March 2016, after Joe Biden threatened to withhold $1 billion in U.S. aid to Ukraine, Ukrainian Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin was fired.

Republican strategists were licking their wounds on Wednesday as the post-mortem following the midterms began – with senior figures in the party branding Donald Trump a ‘disaster’ and accusing him of ‘sabotaging’ their expected cruise to victory.

Many Democrats went into election night dreading how bad their losses could be and pondering how to explain them.

By Wednesday, they had quickly shifted into day-after hoping that they could actually maintain a voting majority in the Senate, celebrating victories in key governors’ races, and aware that control of the House was still not declared.

Trump has promised to make a ‘major announcement’ on November 15, but many are trying to convince him to reconsider the expected launch of his 2024 campaign, given how well his rival Ron DeSantis, re-elected as governor of Florida, performed.

‘Between being Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis tonight, you want to be Ron DeSantis,’ said Mick Mulvaney, Trump’s former chief of staff.

‘DeSantis wins tonight and Trump is not doing very well.’

Republicans were left grumbling about ‘candidate quality,’ with many pointing the finger at the 76-year-old former president.

‘Never forget. Trump picked sure losers in winnable races,’ said Gregg Nunziata, a former member of Marco Rubio’s team in the Senate.

‘He picked weak candidates in otherwise slam dunk races requiring the party to spend tons of money we’d rather spend elsewhere.

‘Of, and speaking of money, he hoovered up tens of millions and barely spent a dime to help Rs.’

Scott Reed, a veteran Republican strategist, said: ‘I mean, we had a historic opportunity and Trump’s recruitment of unelectable candidates blew it for us. 

‘Trump’s now lost three elections in a row for the Republican Party and it’s time to snap out of this foolishness.’ 

Fox News’ White House correspondent, Jacqui Heinrich, tweeted: ‘GOP source tells me ‘if it wasn’t clear before it should be now. We have a Trump problem’.’

Chris Christie, the former New Jersey governor and Trump ally, accused the former president of selfishly pursuing his own interests.

He blamed Trump for elevating deeply flawed candidates, who won their primaries but struggled in the general election.

‘The only animating factor (for him) in determining an endorsement is, ‘Do you believe the 2020 election was stolen or don’t you?’ Christie said. 

‘It’s not, ‘Can you raise money?’ 

‘It’s not, ‘Do you have an articulatable vision for the future of your state or your district?’ 

‘It’s not evidence of past success in communicating to voters. 

‘It is a completely self-centered determination.’

Trump on Wednesday was forced to deny reports that he had erupted in anger at all those around him – including his wife Melania – over the losses.

Many of his high-profile endorsements lost their races – among them Dr Mehmet Oz, the television doctor running for the Senate in Pennsylvania, whose candidacy Melania Trump reportedly backed.

‘I’m very disappointed,’ said Senator Pat Toomey, a Republican who is retiring, and whose seat was won by Democrat John Fetterman.

‘I think a huge factor in all of this was the disastrous role of Donald Trump in this whole process.’

Doug Mastriano, one of the most hard-line Trump candidates, lost his race to be governor of Pennsylvania.

In New Hampshire, Karoline Leavitt, a 25-year-old hard-right Republican who served as an assistant in Trump’s White House press office, lost her race. Incumbent Chris Pappas, a two-term Democratic congressman, was re-elected in a hard-fought race.

Also in the state, Don Bolduc, an election-denying proud MAGA candidate, lost the Senate race to Maggie Hassan – giving Democrats a sigh of relief.

Hassan was considered among the most vulnerable Democrats.

In Maryland, Dan Cox lost the gubernatorial contest to Wes Moore, who became the first black person to govern Maryland and only the third black governor in U.S. history.

Cox, who has described the 2020 presidential election as ‘stolen’ and volunteered as a lawyer to block the certification of the results in Pennsylvania, attacked the incumbent Republican governor, Larry Hogan, for harming his chances.

Hogan called Cox a ‘whack job’.

‘As it turns out, candidates and campaigns matter,’ said Kevin McLaughlin, an ally of Senate Leader Mitch McConnell and a former executive director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

McConnell attempted to steer the Republicans away from some of the more extreme MAGA candidates, arguing that they were not electable.

He was overruled by Kevin McCarthy, the House Minority Leader, and by Rick Scott, Florida Senator and chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC).

McCarthy himself on Wednesday launched his campaign to be Speaker of the House come January, when all the votes are counted – assuming the Republicans do win the majority.

But even that was hanging in the balance, with some Republicans saying they no longer trusted McCarthy, given the lackluster performance in Tuesday’s vote.

‘Kevin McCarthy has not done anything to earn my vote for speaker,’ said Bob Good, a member of the House representing Virginia.

He told Axios: ‘I believe there’s a number of members who feel as I do and who will support a challenge to him as the speaker when we convene next week.’

Andy Biggs, a congressman for Arizona, said the issue needed to be debated, saying ‘Speaker McCarthy’ was not a foregone conclusion.

Questions were being asked as to whether McCarthy had the necessary political skills to keep the party in line, if they only win a small majority.

One House Republican source told Fox News that the Freedom Caucus – the most conservative and hard right grouping in the House – would wield substantial power in a narrowly-held House.

‘The Freedom Caucus is more powerful in a smaller majority,’ said one House Republican source. ‘The knives are out. I hope Kevin can pull it out.’

And many of Trump’s allies were encouraging him to reconsider his November 15 announcement. 

Former Trump press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, who now works for Fox News, advised on air that Trump should hold off on an announcement until after the Georgia Senate runoff.

‘I think he needs to put it on pause,’ she said. 

Asked whether Trump should campaign in the state, she said: ‘I think we’ve got to make strategic calculations. 

‘Governor DeSantis, I think he should be welcomed to the state, given what happened last night. You’ve got to look at the realities on the ground.’

Judd Gregg, a former Republican senator for New Hampshire, said the results were shocking.

‘Most people thought the economy being not very good, and with the vote being extremely heavy that more Republicans would do well,’ he said.

People voted on three things, he said: ‘Trump, abortion, and rejection of Republicans who bought into this cult theory of conspiracy.’

Campaign groups have urged the UK Government to scrap the ‘disturbing’ use of AI and claimed it was ‘behind the curve’ on regulating its use by public authorities.

The groups, like Public Law Project and Big Brother Watch, warned that UK public bodies have been using AI in ‘disturbing’ and ‘secretive’ ways for ‘years’.

It comes after Rishi Sunak announced plans this week to make Britain the home of ‘global AI safety regulation’ amid rising concerns over its use in the private sector.

But the technology is already used in opaque ways across Britain in areas such as policing, housing, welfare, and immigration, according to the groups.

In one case, South Wales Police’s ‘Orwellian’ use of AFR (Automated Facial Recognition) was found to have breached privacy rights, data protection laws and equality legislation.

Shameem Ahmad, CEO of the Public Law Project (PLP), said: ‘AI is hugely powerful. Chat GPT has caught everyone’s attention, but public authorities have been using this tech for years and right now the Government is behind the curve on managing the risks.

‘We have seen public bodies using this tech in disturbing ways, from the use of discriminatory facial recognition by South Wales police to the Department for Work and Pensions using AI to investigate benefits claimants.

‘Government use of AI can be secretive, it can backfire, and it can exacerbate existing inequalities, undermining fundamental rights.’

In a document addressed to cross-party MPs, thirty groups including Public Law Project and Big Brother Watch have now urged the Government to adopt stronger regulation and transparency around AI use by public authorities.

They call for ‘clear mechanisms for accountability’ and a ‘specialist regulator’ with a way for the public to seek redress when AI use in automated decision making goes wrong.

Last year, the DWP was found to be trialling a machine algorithm to predict whether universal credit claimants should receive benefits based on their perceived likelihood of committing fraud in the future. 

The trial was ‘problematic’ and risked discriminating against people with genuine claims, according to PLP.

The group also said there was a lack of transparency around the DWP’s use of the technology, meaning it was not possible to tell if the system worked ‘reliably, lawfully or fairly’.

And in 2019, four out of five people identified by the Metropolitan Police’s facial AFR technology as potential suspects were innocent, according to a report.

Madeleine Stone, legal and policy officer at Big Brother Watch, told MailOnline: ‘The Government’s approach to AI is confused, vague and will do nothing to protect us from the growing threat the use of AI poses to our rights. 

‘Instead of taking the urgently needed action to protect us from out-of-control algorithms, the Government is seeking to scrap data rights and weaken safeguards.

‘The Government must outlaw the most dangerous uses of AI that have no place in a democracy, such as live facial recognition surveillance, and ensure the public have strong, legally enforceable rights when AI is being used to make decisions.’

In contrast, the European Union is moving to ban AFR in public spaces through its upcoming Artificial Intelligence Act.

It would ban public authorities using AI to classify citizens’ behaviour and bring in strict limits on AI-powered facial recognition used by law enforcement.

Professor Sampson, the biometrics and surveillance camera commissioner, has also previously warned the UK has the ‘scantest’ regulatory framework for public authorities using this kind of technology.

He said: ‘We may not be that far away from using an AI like ChatGPT to draft warrants or witness statements, yet we have the scantest regulatory framework under which those using the technology will be held to account.’

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology was approached for comment.

The FBI search of former Donald Trump‘s Florida home has triggered feverish speculation that he will soon announce a 2024 run – exciting supporters but worrying party leaders and donors that he could ruin hopes of retaking the House and Senate in November’s midterms.

‘I think he’s running,’ said Eric Levine, an attorney and longtime Republican fundraiser. ‘The only question is whether he announces before the midterms, which would be a disaster.’

Multiple party insiders told DailyMail.com they fear an early announcement would divert fundraising away from candidates and towards the Trump war chest. 

And it would turn the midterms from being a winnable referendum on Joe Biden‘s presidency – its economic crises and foreign policy missteps – to a Trump versus Biden beauty pageant.

Trump grabbed the initiative by posting a campaign-style video on his Truth Social platform after midnight on Tuesday. He calls America ‘a nation in decline’ and slams Biden before ending with the slogan: ‘The best is yet to come.’

At the same time, he has upped the number of fundraising emails sent to his distribution list.

‘Mar-a-Lago was raided,’ said one sent on Wednesday. ‘The radical left is corrupt.

‘We must return the power to the people.’

FBI agents entered Trump’s home as they investigated the removal of classified records from the White House when his term ended in 2021. 

The result was outrage among Republicans, who accused the Biden administration of politicizing the FBI and the Justice Department.

Allies have been urging Trump to jump straight into the campaign to retake the White House. 

John Fredericks, radio host and chair of the Trump Virginia campaign in 2016 and 2020, said he should announce ‘today’ and launch a tour of swing districts immediately.

‘It leads him to a landslide victory in November 2024, it leads to a massive 50-70 House gain and three in the Senate,’ he said.

‘This has activated the Trump MAGA base like nothing I’ve ever seen. It has activated independents and this is going to backfire on the administrative state and the leftwing Marxists who are now in charge.’

Trump insiders have been divided for months on when to announce. Some have pushed for weeks to announce quickly in order to head off possible opponents, particularly Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis who has been making headline and gaining ground.

Others prefer a more conventional route, announcing after November’s midterms.

But Trump himself has floated the idea of announcing ahead of this year’s elections in order to create the biggest splash. 

That fills Republicans working on fall campaigns with dread. 

A senior strategist, working on several midterm campaigns, said an early announcement would be a disaster for hopes of winning back the House and the Senate, diverting fundraising from candidates to Trump. 

‘By taking this action, the FBI has greatly increased the likelihood that Trump will announce his candidacy before November, which Democrats would absolutely love to see,’ said the source, who worked on the 2020 Trump campaign and asked for anonymity to avoid drawing fire on his candidate.

‘If Democrats retain control of the House, the FBI will remain safe from oversight and accountability.’

There is also horror on the Hill that it would let Biden off the hook. He is deeply unpopular and, if the elections follow the usual historical pattern of thumping the party in power, Democrats can expect to lose seats in both the House and Senate.

‘That would be a significant gift to Democrats. he would suck up so much oxygen and remind voters of why he lost last time, instead of thinking about the multiple failures of Joe Biden.’ 

For his part, Levine said the raid on Mar-a-Lago was outrageous. 

‘But the fact that this was outrageous doesn’t necessarily qualify Trump to become president,’ he said.

‘So I don’t think it changed the landscape for running for president at all, but it may change the landscape for when he announces.’

Trump’s grip on the activist base remains tight.

At the weekend, the Conservative Political Action Conference in Texas revealed that 69 percent of attendees want Trump as their candidate in 2024.

Ahead of President Joe Biden‘s State of the Union address on Tuesday night, Republican lawmakers told DailyMail.com that they want to see the commander-in-chief pledge to rein in federal spending and be ‘truthful’ with Americans about the current threats to U.S. homeland security.

The president will be delivering his first speech to a divided Congress, tasked with bringing a unifying message to a Republican-controlled House of Representatives and a Democrat-held Senate.

But before he even begins, Biden’s address is already likely to be overshadowed by the recent diplomatic incident caused by a suspected Chinese ‘spy balloon’ floating over multiple U.S. states at a low enough altitude to be seen with the naked eye – alarming millions across the country. Multiple GOP lawmakers told DailyMail.com that he will need to address the near-crisis.

Meanwhile, some House Republicans indicated they’re already skeptical of what Biden will bring to the table.

Republican Study Committee Chairman Kevin Hern (R-OK), among the conservatives leading the charge for spending cuts to offset raising the U.S. debt limit, pointed out that the president’s speech is coming one day after he’s expected to miss a statutory deadline for submitting a budget proposal to Congress for the next fiscal year. 

And China hawks within the GOP conference, Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL) and Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), are demanding that Biden give Americans answers on what happened regarding China’s suspected surveillance device.

Waltz also called on Biden to broach the crisis at the southern border – an issue that’s been an albatross for the White House for much of his term.

‘This Chinese spy balloon was a wake-up call and I believe a Sputnik moment for the country,’ Waltz told DailyMail.com in reference to the infamous Soviet satellite that epitomized the 20th Century space race.

‘President Biden needs to be honest with the American people that the Chinese Communist Party is in a Cold War with the us and this needs to be made a priority for our country.’

Johnson, a member of the House Select Committee on China, shared a similar call for accountability on Tuesday night.

‘President Biden should absolutely use this moment to express to the American people what in the world happened,’ the South Dakota congressman told DailyMail.com. 

Waltz also said Biden ‘needs to be truthful about the threat of our open southern border.’

Biden made his first visit to the border as president just last month, amid growing pressure from federal, state and local authorities. He did not appear to meet with any migrants during the brief trip.

Back home in Washington, meanwhile, the president is facing pressure from GOP critics to present his budget for the next fiscal year – which Roll Call reported won’t be given to Congress until next month.  

Hern, who unveiled the Republican Study Committee’s own proposals for cutting spending to raise the debt limit last week, questioned what Biden could share with Congress about the country’s future without details on how he wants to spend its dollars.

‘February 6th is the deadline for Biden’s budget request – and he’s coming to speak to Congress the very next day. Without a budget, what does he have to present to us?’ the Oklahoma Republican asked.

‘Americans made it clear that they’re sick of the spending; they know what the Biden Administration refuses to admit, that every dollar Biden spends comes from the American taxpayers.

 ‘Anything short of a full commitment to cut spending and balance the budget is a failure of leadership from this president.’

The White House and House Republicans are gridlocked on how to move forward raising the debt limit in order to avoid a massive national default.

Conservatives have made clear that they won’t allow a clean increase without offsetting it with future spending cuts. But Democrats are standing firm on the debt ceiling being an ‘obligation’ of the U.S. government rather than a bargaining point.

At the RSC’s regular luncheon last week, Hern unveiled a set of proposals to cut back on discretionary spending and advancing ‘targeted, paid-for, pro-growth tax policies’ among others.

The set of proposals, obtained by DailyMail.com, also includes calls to enact ‘inflation-busting reforms to increase domestic energy capacity and reduce associated regulatory and permitting barriers.’

Hern’s plan would also streamline ‘duplicative programs’ and attempt to avert another such crisis by codifying ‘procedures to ensure the federal government honors certain critical obligations’ like debt payments, veterans’ care, social security and Medicare.