Trump Scraps Weekend Rallies for Tele-Broadcasts

President Donald Trump canceled two planned in-person rallies in Iowa and Kansas on Thursday, shifting his midterm strategy toward virtual appearances. He had intended to visit 35 locations across the country to boost turnout for Republican candidates. This week's cancellations mark a deviation from that physical campaign blitz.

Trump said he did not feel compelled to travel to Kansas, where he was scheduled to support Senator Roger Marshall. The senator faces a tight contest against Democrat Adam Hamilton. The race has become a toss-up partly due to voter concerns about the costs of the war in Iran. Kansas has not sent a Democrat to the Senate for nearly 100 years.

The president previously claimed his physical presence in battleground states improved Republican polling numbers. He has held 25 rallies in the past month. On Monday, he described the schedule as difficult, noting through a hoarse voice that God did not create vocal cords for daily campaigning. On Thursday, he insisted he felt perfect while dismissing questions about his health.

During a press exchange, Trump told a reporter, "You’ve been following me for two weeks. I feel perfect. You are disgusting. Put yourself in shape. You look like hell." He canceled the Iowa stop hours later. A White House official and one person familiar with the decision confirmed the appearance was off.

The Republican National Committee stated the cancellations aim to maximize opportunities for Trump to speak to voters nationwide. GOP operatives in Iowa described the in-person event as helpful but not essential. One official said a tele-rally would aid turnout, while an in-person rally would have been more effective. The rally was set for Dubuque in the contested 2nd Congressional District.

Another Iowa operative said he would love the president's presence but noted the state is in good shape. Trump plans to hold more than 20 tele-rallies by Election Day, according to two White House officials. He remains scheduled for an event in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Friday.

In Florida, he will campaign for Representative Randy Fine and Senator Ashley Moody. The Cook Political Report rates both races as solidly Republican. No events have been announced for Monday.