Trump Abruptly Cancels Weekend Rallies Ahead of Midterm Elections

Former President Donald Trump has canceled two critical campaign rallies scheduled for this weekend, just days before the midterm elections. The planned appearances in Salina, Kansas, and Dubuque, Iowa, were unexpectedly called off, with Trump opting for virtual tele-rallies from his Mar-a-Lago residence.

The Kansas rally was intended to support Republican Senator Roger Marshall, who faces a surprisingly competitive reelection bid. The Iowa event will now be held virtually, according to GOP sources cited by The Associated Press.

The White House confirmed that Trump is scheduled to host at least 20 virtual tele-rallies before Election Day, targeting states including Texas, Kansas, Iowa, New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. A statement released by the White House indicated that these virtual events are part of a strategy to "maximize Trump’s time and reach as many voters as possible," allowing him to "cover more ground."

"These events give him the opportunity to highlight his accomplishments and expand his reach across the country," the statement read. Joe Gruters, chairman of the Republican National Committee, told the AP that this "72-hour sprint will be a huge boost in the closing days."

Earlier in the week, when questioned by a reporter about whether he was tired of traveling, Trump responded defensively. "I don't feel like I have to go to Kansas, I'm going to Florida tomorrow," he said, adding that Marshall was "doing really well." When pressed further by a Reuters reporter, Trump called the question "disgusting" and told the reporter he "look[ed] like hell" before walking away.

Senator Marshall commented on Trump's cancellation, suggesting it might be due to his strong polling numbers. "I think-they think it might do with I'm doing so well in the polls, he's probably got better places to spend his time," Marshall told reporters.

Earlier on the same day as the cancellations, Trump had traveled to South Carolina to campaign for Darline Graham in the race to fill the seat of her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham. He urged supporters to vote for Graham, asking them to "pretend that I'm on the ballot."

Trump has been actively campaigning in the run-up to the midterms, holding nearly daily rallies. However, his recent appearances have been marked by off-script remarks, including a widely reported comment about Nicki Minaj's appearance during a rally in Michigan and detailed explanations of his observations about other politicians' bodies during stops in Ohio.

The former president is scheduled to return to Florida on Friday to support the gubernatorial bid of Representative Byron Donalds and the Senate bid of Senator Ashley Moody. He is also expected to visit Michigan again before Election Day, though no specific rally has been announced.