Trump Makes U-Turn, Revives Kansas and Iowa Rallies Ahead of Midterm Vote

US President Donald Trump has reversed his decision to cancel campaign appearances in Kansas and Iowa, restoring both rallies to his Sunday schedule just 48 hours before the midterm elections, according to a Republican source who spoke to AFP on Friday.

“The rallies are back on. President Trump loves his supporters, and in addition to nearly 20 tele-rallies, he will hold back-to-back rallies in Kansas and Iowa on Sunday,” the source, who is familiar with Trump’s weekend arrangements, said.

The president had initially planned to visit Salina, Kansas, on Saturday before heading to Dubuque, Iowa, on Sunday. However, Republicans announced on Thursday that both events had been called off, saying Trump would concentrate on telephone rallies instead.

The abrupt cancellation triggered questions about the 80-year-old president’s physical condition and ability to sustain a demanding campaign schedule.

When a reporter questioned whether he was feeling well, Trump responded sharply: “I feel perfect.”

He also dismissed the need to travel to Kansas, insisting that Republican Senator Roger Marshall was “doing very well.”

However, Marshall is facing a surprisingly competitive challenge from Democrat Adam Hamilton in a state that has not elected a Democratic senator since 1932. In Iowa, Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson is also locked in a closely fought contest with Democratic challenger Josh Turek.

Both states backed Trump comfortably in the 2024 election but have now become key battlegrounds as both parties fight for control of the Senate.

Republicans currently hold a 53-47 Senate majority and are working to retain that advantage in Tuesday’s elections. Democrats, meanwhile, are aiming to capture at least one chamber of Congress, potentially restricting Trump’s ability to advance his legislative priorities during the final two years of his presidency.

Political strategist Mike Fahey believes the criticism surrounding Trump’s energy levels may have influenced his decision to restore the cancelled appearances.

“My suspicion is that Trump didn’t particularly like that narrative, and putting the events back on the calendar was the fastest way to kill it,” Fahey told AFP.

He added that traditional campaign rallies offer political benefits that telephone events cannot easily replicate, particularly in generating local publicity and voter enthusiasm.

“There’s also a legitimate campaign strategy argument here… A phone call doesn’t generate the same local headlines, television coverage or excitement as Air Force One landing in your state three days before an election.”

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