Trump reverses decision to hold final midterms rallies in person

President Donald Trump will hold in-person rallies in Iowa and Kansas on Sunday, reversing a decision made less than 24 hours earlier. The Republican National Committee announced on Thursday that the events would be replaced by a series of tele-rallies. A source familiar with the change said the schedule was updated to accommodate the president's preference for live crowds.

The shift follows a month of intensive campaigning. Trump held more than 25 rallies in October, primarily in red states where Republicans face political headwinds. These events serve a dual purpose: boosting specific Senate candidates and providing a final spectacle for a base that may not see the president on the ballot again until 2028.

In South Carolina, the president campaigned for Darline Graham, a candidate he personally selected. He also supported Michael Whatley in North Carolina. During a speech in Greenville, North Carolina, Trump asked voters to pretend he was still on the ballot. He argued that this mindset was necessary to protect tax cuts and border policies.

The rallies have featured a mix of familiar themes and new material. Trump frequently discussed tariffs, which he called his favorite word. He also repeated a joke about Ohio Senator Jon Husted's physique, claiming the remark helped Husted gain 12 points in the polls. This claim contradicted recent polling data.

Supporters have traveled across the country for the events. Blake Marnell, a fan from San Diego known for his suit with brick patterns, took October off work to attend multiple rallies. Marnell described the experience as a form of leisure, comparing it to taking a cruise. Cindy New from Emerald Isle, North Carolina, said she attended the Greenville event because it might be her last chance to see the president live.

Trump acknowledged the physical toll of the schedule during a stop in Daytona Beach, Florida. He stated his voice was operating at 49.2 percent after 28 consecutive days of campaigning. He closed a rally in Corpus Christi, Texas, by urging voters to win on November 3.

The president's schedule remains packed. In addition to the Sunday events in the Midwest, he is holding nearly 20 tele-rallies. These virtual appearances aim to reach party members in areas where in-person travel is logistically difficult or inefficient.