Michael Wolff, a long-time biographer of President Donald Trump, ignited a firestorm this weekend with his scathing comments regarding the candidates endorsed by Trump for the upcoming midterms.

Speaking to The Daily Beast, Wolff dismissed Trump’s selected candidates as a group of “buffoons,” implying that their potential for success is limited without Trump himself on the ballot.

This assertion did not go unnoticed by the White House, which responded with a vehement rebuttal. A spokesperson branded Wolff as a “professional scumbag” suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” underscoring their disdain for his commentary.

Wolff, who has recently emerged as a go-to voice for insights on Trump, has previously focused on various facets of the former president’s life, from his tumultuous marriage to rumors surrounding his behavior and relationships.

In his latest remarks, Wolff specifically highlighted a peculiar trend he observed among Trump voters. “There’s an interesting pattern of men who won’t admit to their wives that they are voting for Donald Trump,” he said, hinting at the shame some might feel about their affiliation.

He went on to analyze the dynamics of this election cycle, noting that with Trump absent from the ballot, his endorsed candidates lack the safety net that his charisma often provides.

“The dynamic is different in this midterm election because he’s not on the ballot. The buffoons who are running in his name don’t have the luxury of being the ultimate buffoon, as it were,” Wolff stated, indicating that these candidates may struggle without Trump’s overwhelming presence.

This skepticism raises questions about how Trump’s endorsements will impact candidates like Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, whom Wolff specifically called out.

“Do you really want to vote for Ken Paxton?” Wolff challenged voters, suggesting that the quality of Trump’s chosen figures might not resonate well with the electorate.

Wolff’s comments resonate amid a crucial time for the GOP, as midterm elections approach and candidates vie for control of Congress.

This election marks a significant moment for Trump’s influence, now relying heavily on his endorsements to see candidates through without his direct involvement.

The White House’s response demonstrates the tension inherent in Trump’s post-presidency phase, where his loyalists attempt to navigate their paths amid critiques from figures like Wolff.

As the midterm elections draw near, voters will be watching to see if Trump’s brand remains a formidable force, or if Wolff’s “buffoons” fail to capture the electorate’s confidence.

The potential fallout from this election could reshape the Republican Party’s future, based on which candidates—if any—can successfully align with Trump’s contentious legacy while maintaining their own credibility.

Wolff’s critique of Trump’s endorsed candidates serves as a reminder of the complicated relationship between party loyalty and individual reputations within the political landscape.

Political experts and analysts will undoubtedly keep a close eye on these races, especially those that feature Trump-backed candidates, in the coming weeks.

With the spotlight shining brightly on this election, Wolff’s predictions may very well unfold as a significant narrative leading up to election day.

The upcoming weeks will likely define both Trump’s enduring influence and the viability of the candidates he has chosen to champion.