Trump cancels final Iowa and Kansas rallies for 72-hour virtual blitz
The RNC will replace in-person stops with broadcasts reaching nearly 20 states as the November 3 midterm election approaches.
By Takeshi Davidson ·
President Donald Trump cancelled his scheduled in-person rallies in Iowa and Kansas on Thursday, replacing them with a series of virtual broadcasts. The Republican National Committee confirmed the change in a statement released the same day. With the midterm elections set for November 3, the party will run a 72-hour campaign of televised events to reach voters before Election Day.
RNC Chairman Joe Gruters defended the pivot to virtual formats. He stated that these appearances will be more efficient than traveling to physical locations. "Voters across the country want to hear from President Trump before Election Day, and this 72-hour sprint will be a huge boost in the closing days," Gruters said. The broadcasts are expected to reach nearly 20 states. This list includes competitive Senate races in Michigan, Alaska, Texas, and Iowa.
The RNC indicated that additional events may be announced in the coming days. Trump’s final in-person rally before the election will take place on Friday in Daytona Beach, Florida. This location sits approximately 320 kilometers from his Mar-a-Lago resort. The schedule change comes with less than five days remaining until the vote, which will determine the composition of the US Congress.
The outcome of the midterms will shape the president's legislative agenda for the final two years of his second term. Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress. The party controls 53 of 100 Senate seats. In the House of Representatives, Republicans hold 218 seats out of 435, with all offices up for election this cycle. The Senate ballot includes only about one-third of seats, as senators serve six-year terms.
Polling data suggests Democrats hold an advantage in this cycle. Harvard University’s ElectIt forecasting model estimates a 94 percent chance that Democrats will take control of the House. Analysts cite the president's slumping approval ratings and voter concern over the cost of living and foreign policy. Trump has urged his base to vote for Republican down-ballot candidates by telling them to "Pretend I’m on the ballot."
The Kansas cancellation draws attention to a tight Senate race in a traditionally Republican state. Senator Roger Marshall faces Democrat Adam Hamilton, a pastor, in a competitive contest. Kansas has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1932. A poll released by CNN on Thursday showed Hamilton leading by four percentage points. Hamilton has 49 percent support compared to Marshall’s 45 percent.
Trump addressed the travel reduction during a press interaction in South Carolina on Thursday. A reporter from Reuters asked about his health after a day of heavy travel. "Mr President, you’ve been doing a lot of travel. We’ve been doing a lot of travel with you. How are you feeling? How’s your health?" the reporter asked on the tarmac.
Trump initially focused on the party's electoral prospects before responding to the health inquiry. "We’re going to have a strong Tuesday night," he said. The reporter followed up by asking if the decision to skip Kansas was related to his fatigue. Trump replied that he did not feel the need to visit Salina, Kansas. "I don’t feel I have to go to Kansas," he stated.
The exchange escalated when the reporter pressed the point. Trump accused the journalist of being "sick" for asking the question. He then commented on the reporter's physical appearance. "You’ve been following me for two weeks. I feel perfect. You are disgusting. Put yourself in shape. You look like hell," Trump said.
Trump is 80 years old and will be the oldest president upon concluding his term. His health has drawn public attention following photos showing bruising on his hands. These images sparked speculation about undisclosed medical conditions. The president has maintained his campaign energy despite the reduced travel schedule.
