Trump Pauses Florida Rally to Address Eye Irritation, Dismisses Health Rumors
The former president stopped his speech to wipe his eye with a napkin, later remarking on speculation about his health.
During a campaign rally in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Friday, former President Donald Trump paused his remarks to address an issue with his eye. He used a napkin dipped in water to wipe the affected eye, briefly interrupting his speech to supporters ahead of the midterm elections.
"Do you mind? I got a thing in my eye, watch this," Trump told the crowd, before adding, "Ah, that's so much better." He then splashed the remainder of the water towards the audience and expressed a wish for eye drops. The incident occurred about halfway through the event, which was held at the Ocean Center.
Trump used the moment to address recent speculation about his health, which had been fueled by the abrupt cancellation of two earlier weekend rallies in Kansas and Iowa. "If I did, they'd say I was seriously ill, that there's something wrong with me," he stated, referencing the media's potential reaction had he used eye drops. The two canceled appearances were later reinstated.
The rally itself began nearly an hour after its scheduled start time, a characteristic of many of Trump's previous events. Earlier in the week, Trump had responded forcefully to a reporter who inquired if he had canceled a Kansas rally due to being "sick of travel." Trump called the reporter "sick" and a "dope," and criticized his appearance.
During the Daytona Beach rally, Trump also addressed protesters who interrupted his speech, claiming they were funded by Democratic donor George Soros. One protester wore a shirt referencing the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Republican officials also spoke at the rally. U.S. Representative Randy Fine of Florida criticized Democratic congresswomen Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, suggesting they "hate America" and seek its "destruction." Fine also stated he would file a motion to expel Omar from Congress if evidence emerged showing she was not a U.S. citizen.
Trump echoed this sentiment, asserting that Omar should not be permitted to serve in Congress. He also reiterated a campaign promise: to give $5,000 to every adult American citizen if Republicans regain control of both the House and the Senate, with the condition that the funds not be spent abroad.
The former president's speech covered a range of topics, including reminiscing about his television show "The Apprentice," discussing the ongoing conflict with Iran, and referencing the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Florida Republican candidates also used the rally for their closing campaign pitches. Gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds criticized Democratic opponent David Jolly, and Senator Ashley Moody attacked Democratic challenger Angie Nixon, labeling her an "actual communist."