Trump Restores Kansas and Iowa Rallies After Reporter Question

President Donald J. Trump reversed a last-minute cancellation of in-person rallies in Kansas and Iowa, announcing that the events will proceed on the weekend following a pointed exchange with a Reuters reporter about his health. The president told the reporter he “feels perfect” and dismissed the question as “disgusting.” A source familiar with the revised schedule confirmed that the two rallies have been added back to the itinerary, which already includes a Friday night rally in Daytona Beach, Florida, and a series of 19 “telerallies” across other states.

The Independent

Republican officials had initially pulled the Kansas and Iowa stops at the eleventh hour, substituting them with virtual events. The Republican National Committee (RNC) had announced telerallies in 19 states, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. According to CNN, some GOP insiders expressed relief at the cancellation, noting that the president’s voice had become “notably strained” during his 90-minute speeches earlier in the month.

The Independent

The White House reiterated that the telerally format allows Trump to maintain a national presence despite the physical cancellations.

The Independent

• “He really didn't like the optics of canceling them,” — Aaron Rupar, journalist

The Independent

• “Voters across the country want to hear from President Trump before Election Day, and this 72-hour sprint will be a huge boost in the closing days.” — Joe Gruters, RNC chairman

The Independent