After reporter calls Trump out, he reverses course on canceling midterms rallies in Kansas and Iowa

Kansas and Iowa rallies return

Republican officials had announced at the last minute that rallies in Kansas and Iowa would be replaced by telerallies. The events were planned as Trump’s final campaign appearances of the election cycle.

Sources told CNN and the Associated Press that the in-person rallies were back on. The change came after a reporter asked Trump whether the cancellations had anything to do with his health.

Asked about the decision, Trump told a Reuters reporter he did not feel he had to go to Kansas and said he felt perfect. He also called the reporter disgusting.

Questions about his campaign schedule

Trump was scheduled to hold an in-person rally in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Friday night. He had previously planned to spend the weekend at Mar-a-Lago, according to the Palm Beach Post.

Trump had traveled around the country throughout the month, holding 25 rallies to encourage turnout among his supporters. During the final week, his voice was notably strained in speeches lasting 90 minutes.

CNN’s Kaitlan Collins said the president’s answer to the health question drew attention. She noted that the reporter received an irritated response to what she described as a straightforward question, and that Trump has promoted his ability to maintain a busy schedule.

Telerallies and party concerns

Before the plans changed, the Republican National Committee announced telerallies in 19 states, including Kansas and Iowa. The list also included Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.

CNN reported that some Republican officials were relieved when the final two in-person rallies were canceled. One GOP source told the network, “Thank God, he hasn't moved the needle anywhere.” The White House said telerallies would let Trump highlight his accomplishments and reach people across the country. RNC chairman Joe Gruters said voters wanted to hear from Trump before Election Day and described the final 72 hours as a major boost for the closing days. Politico reported that Republicans were bracing for what could be a “brutal” Election Day.