President Donald Trump canceled scheduled campaign rallies in Kansas and Iowa for the upcoming weekend, opting instead to address voters via telephone. The Republican National Committee confirmed on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, that the president will participate in a series of "tele-rallies" across at least 19 states in a "72-hour sprint" before the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
The schedule changes follow four weeks of travel during which Trump hosted 25 rallies in 19 states to support Republican candidates. On Monday, Oct. 26, the president appeared hoarse during an event in Mississippi, noting that the daily rally schedule was taxing on his vocal cords. Despite the weekend cancellations in Salina, Kansas, and Dubuque, Iowa, the president stated he "felt perfect" on Thursday and is still expected to attend a Friday rally in Daytona Beach, Florida.
In addition to the president’s schedule changes, Vice President JD Vance canceled a Friday news conference in St. Cloud, Minnesota, where he was set to discuss the administration’s "War on Fraud." Official reasons for the cancellations were not provided, though the president told reporters he did not "feel like I have to go to Kansas" because he believes Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) is performing well in his race against Democrat Adam Hamilton.
The shift in campaign strategy affects Republican candidates and voters in at least 19 states who expected in-person appearances from the president in the final 72 hours before the Nov. 3 midterm elections. The shift occurs as Republicans attempt to retain narrow control of the U.S. House and Senate, while NBC News polling indicates 52% of surveyed Americans prefer Democratic control of Congress compared to 43% for Republican control.
The canceled events involve two stops in Salina and Dubuque, which are located in states with competitive congressional or Senate races. Voters in these areas will no longer see the president in person but will instead be offered "tele-rallies," a format where the president speaks to supporters via phone. This adjustment affects the visibility of candidates like Senator Roger Marshall in Kansas, who is in a competitive race.
The outcome of these elections will determine the legislative environment for the remainder of the presidential term. A change in congressional control would influence the administration's ability to pass policy or secure appointments. The final results will be determined by voters on Tuesday, Nov. 3, with no campaign events currently announced for Monday, Nov. 2. Some polling and prediction markets currently favor a shift in party control in both chambers.