Trump Pauses Florida Rally to Address Eye Irritation Amid Health Rumors
The former president dismissed speculation about his health after abruptly canceling and then reinstating previous campaign events.
During a campaign rally in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Friday, former President Donald Trump paused his remarks to address an issue with his eye. The incident occurred about halfway through the event as Trump reached for a napkin dipped in water to wipe his eye.
"Do you mind? I got a thing in my eye, watch this," Trump told the crowd before splashing the remaining water behind him. "Ah, that's so much better." He added, "I wish I had little eye drops."
The former president then turned his attention to recent speculation about his health, which he suggested would intensify if he had indeed used eye drops. Trump had abruptly canceled two weekend rallies in Kansas and Iowa days earlier, leading to rumors about his well-being, though he stated he felt "perfect." Both canceled appearances were later reinstated.
The eye incident at the Florida rally took place nearly an hour after the event was scheduled to begin, a common occurrence at Trump's rallies. Earlier in the week, Trump had responded aggressively to a reporter who inquired if he canceled a Kansas rally because he was "sick of travel." Trump, returning from a rally in South Carolina, called the reporter "sick" and a "dope," remarking on the reporter's physical appearance and urging him to "put yourself in shape."
Trump also addressed the cancelled rallies, telling reporters, "I don't feel like I have to go to Kansas."
The rally also featured other political discourse. At one point, at least three protesters were removed from the venue, whom Trump identified as being paid by Democratic donor George Soros. One protester wore a shirt referencing "Release the Files," seemingly alluding to documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Republican representatives also used the rally to launch attacks on Democratic congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, as well as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Florida Republican Randy Fine vowed to file a motion to expel Omar from Congress if evidence emerged suggesting she was not a U.S. citizen.
Trump himself targeted Omar, stating she should not be permitted to serve in Congress. He reiterated a pledge to give $5,000 to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans gain control of both the House and Senate, stipulating the money should not be spent abroad.
Throughout his speech, Trump touched on various topics, including his former television show "The Apprentice" and the ongoing conflict with Iran, asserting that Iran had been engaged in a war with the United States since 1979. He also mentioned the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Florida Republican candidates also made their cases. Gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds criticized Democratic opponent David Jolly, and Republican Senator Ashley Moody attacked Democratic challenger Angie Nixon, labeling her an "actual communist."