Trump cancels two rallies, shifts to 72-hour TV marathon

President Donald Trump has dropped scheduled in-person rallies in Iowa and Kansas less than five days before the November 3 midterm elections. The Republican National Committee confirmed the changes on Thursday, replacing the physical events with a series of virtual appearances.

RNC Chairman Joe Gruters stated that the new format allows the president to reach more voters in a short period. He described the upcoming schedule as a 72-hour sprint designed to provide a boost in the final stretch of the campaign. The virtual rallies will be broadcast to nearly 20 states, including competitive Senate races in Michigan, Alaska, and Texas.

The shift comes as forecasters give Democrats a strong chance of winning the House of Representatives. Harvard University’s ElectIt model estimates a 94 percent probability of a Democratic takeover of that chamber. Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in both the House and the Senate. A loss of either chamber would limit the president’s ability to pass legislation during the final two years of his second term.

Trump has framed the midterms as a referendum on his administration, urging supporters to vote for Republicans in every district. He has expressed concern that Democrats may push for a third impeachment if they gain control of both chambers. The current Senate split is 53 seats to 47, while all 435 House seats are up for election.

The cancellation of the Kansas stop drew attention on Thursday after Trump finished a rally in South Carolina. A Reuters reporter asked about his health and travel fatigue, specifically noting the skipped Kansas date. Trump dismissed the idea that the change was due to sickness. He told the reporter that he felt perfect and that they were sick for asking the question.

The president also questioned the necessity of visiting Salina, Kansas. He said he did not feel he had to go. The state has not sent a Democrat to the Senate since 1932, but the race is tight this cycle. A CNN poll released Thursday shows Democrat Adam Hamilton leading Republican Roger Marshall by four percentage points, with 49 percent support compared to 45 percent.

Trump’s rally in Daytona Beach, Florida, will proceed as planned on Friday. The location is approximately 200 miles from his Mar-a-Lago resort. The RNC indicated that more events may be announced in the coming days as the campaign enters its final phase.