Former President Donald Trump and his campaign are facing a new challenge after President Joe Biden unexpectedly announced the end of his re-election campaign. The Trump campaign, now tasked with pivoting towards a new candidate, publicly expresses confidence but privately reveals frustrations regarding advertisement and messaging strategies.

Since Biden's announcement, Trump has taken to social media, posting more than 10 times. These posts offer real-time insight into the changes Trump will have to make as he prepares to compete against a new candidate, likely Vice President Kamala Harris. While still focusing his attacks on Biden, Trump has questioned Biden's recovery from COVID, raised doubts about his ability to serve his term, and even suggested that the Republican Party should be reimbursed for the money spent on challenging Biden.

Campaign officials have already begun shifting their focus to Harris, releasing new ads highlighting her past gaffes. However, Trump's posts unveil the reality of wasted money and resources that his team now has to contend with. Sources complain that ads they had prepared, including ones that highlighted Biden's poor debate performance, may not be used.

The exact amount the Trump campaign spent on ads directly attacking Biden is unclear. However, the pro-Trump super PAC Make America Great Again Inc. has disclosed spending more than $30 million on ad placements against Biden. This super PAC is now targeting Harris with a $5 million ad campaign in battleground states like Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Arizona.

Following Sunday's decision, the Trump campaign and its allies are focusing on linking the Biden administration's policies to Harris and criticizing the Democrats for their unprecedented actions in the electoral process. Trump is flipping the argument, claiming that Democrats "stole" the race from Biden after primary voters chose him as the nominee. This contrasts with Biden's campaign, which had centered on labeling Trump a "threat to democracy."

Trump's vice-presidential nominee, Senator JD Vance, suggested that if Biden doesn't seek reelection, he should resign. Trump echoed this sentiment, stating that if Biden can't run for office, he can't run the country. Trump also referred to his new campaign as competing for a "fourth time," alluding to his belief that the 2020 election was stolen.

As Democrats work to secure enough delegates for Harris to assume the top of the ticket, the Trump campaign is forced to adopt a new strategy with just over 100 days left until Election Day. Trump had previously predicted a monumental landslide victory, aiming to secure wins in battleground states and expand the electoral map to states like Minnesota, New Jersey, and Virginia.