WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has reversed his decision to cancel two campaign rallies in Kansas and Iowa, reinstating the events just days before the November 3 midterm elections, following a turbulent end to the Republican campaign.
Trump had announced the cancellation of the planned rallies, saying he did not need to visit Kansas because Republican Senator Roger Marshall was performing well in his election race. The Republican National Committee (RNC) also confirmed the cancellation of a planned event in Iowa.
Instead, Trump’s political allies had announced plans for a series of virtual campaign events, known as “tele-rallies”, in nearly 20 states to mobilise Republican supporters ahead of Election Day.
However, on Friday, the White House announced that both rallies had been restored to the president’s schedule. A White House official said the events had been rearranged to accommodate additional virtual campaign appearances.
The sudden change in plans came amid questions about Trump’s demanding campaign schedule and his physical stamina after weeks of frequent rallies across the country.
Trump had earlier complained about strain on his voice following several lengthy campaign speeches. When a Reuters reporter questioned him about whether he was tired of travelling, the president rejected the suggestion and insisted that he felt “perfect”.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump acknowledged that presidents’ political parties often face difficulties during midterm elections but maintained that Republicans still had a chance of performing well.
The November 3 elections will determine whether Republicans can retain their narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress or whether Democrats will gain control of at least one chamber.
Republicans are seeking to defend their 53-47 Senate majority, while Democrats are campaigning to challenge the president’s legislative agenda during the final two years of his current term.
Trump has made himself a central figure in the Republican midterm campaign, urging supporters to turn out in large numbers and back Republican candidates.
The last-minute changes to his campaign schedule have added uncertainty to an already intense election campaign, with both parties making a final push to secure support ahead of voting day.
