Midterm Finale: Trump swaps tele-rallies for in-person events in Iowa and Kansas

President Donald Trump canceled two planned weekend rallies in Iowa and Kansas on Thursday, only to reinstate them as in-person events less than 24 hours later. The Republican National Committee announced the initial switch to tele-rallies to reach voters more efficiently with the end of voting near. A source familiar with the scheduling change, who was not authorized to speak on the record, confirmed the reversal. The new plan places the president in Kansas and Iowa on consecutive days this Sunday.

This rapid shift caps a month of intense campaigning. Trump held more than 25 rallies in October, primarily in red states where Republican candidates face stiff challenges. He is personally boosting Senate picks who have struggled to energize their bases, including Darline Graham in South Carolina and Michael Whatley in North Carolina. The official goal is to help these candidates win, but the events also serve as a final showcase for a president who will not appear on the ballot in November.

In South Carolina, Trump compared his 2016 rally sizes to those of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. He told the crowd that they were witnessing the biggest rallies in history. He added that the audience should enjoy the moment because they would likely never see it again. He asked supporters to pretend he is still on the ballot, arguing that Democrats want to undo his tax cuts and border policies.

Trump frequently repeats his favorite campaign themes, such as tariffs, which he calls a word that made the country rich. He also circulates newer jokes, including a running bit about Ohio Senator Jon Husted's physical attributes. Trump claimed Husted’s polling numbers rose by 12 points following one such joke, a statement that contradicted available evidence. He even referenced the joke in Texas, where he is supporting Senate candidate Ken Paxton.

The rallies feature a distinct atmosphere that blends political messaging with performance. One regular attendee, Blake Marnell from San Diego, took October off work to travel from event to event. Marnell is known for wearing a suit he calls the Brick Suit and is recognized by Trump as Mr. Wall. Trump routinely shouts out such loyal fans by name during his speeches.

The events have drawn first-time attendees who view the rallies as a cultural experience. Cindy New from Emerald Isle, North Carolina, said she had never seen Trump in person before the Greenville rally. She described the visit as a one-time event because she knows she cannot see him again in this capacity. Valerie Thivierge from Fort Myers, Florida, closed her Trump-themed store to attend the rally, stating that this is what she does all year.

Trump has described the grueling schedule as demanding but rewarding. He recently noted that his voice was operating at roughly 49.2% capacity due to the strain of speaking for two hours at a time. He told reporters in the Oval Office that the love in the rooms makes the effort worthwhile. The final in-person rallies will take place on Sunday, following a series of nearly 20 tele-rallies.