Trump scales back final rally tour with tele-rallies before Sunday events

President Trump is modifying his final campaign schedule for the 2026 midterm elections. The Republican National Committee announced on Thursday that the President will replace two planned in-person rallies in Iowa and Kansas with a series of tele-rallies. This move aims to reach supporters more efficiently with voting deadlines approaching. Less than 24 hours later, the schedule changed again. A source familiar with the update said the President would hold back-to-back in-person rallies in Kansas and Iowa on Sunday. The source added that the President loves his supporters and will hold these events in addition to nearly 20 tele-rallies.

Trump has held more than 25 rallies in October alone. These events are mostly in red states where Republican candidates face strong opposition. He is personally boosting Senate candidates Darlene Graham in South Carolina and Michael Whatley in North Carolina. Both candidates are struggling to gain momentum among Republican voters. Trump told supporters in Greenville, North Carolina, to pretend he is on the ballot. He argued that Democrats want to undo his tax cuts and border policies.

The rallies feature a mix of familiar themes and new jokes. Trump frequently praises tariffs, calling the word his favorite. He also repeated a joke about Ohio Senator Jon Husted’s physique. Trump claimed Husted gained 12 points in the polls after the joke, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. He extended the joke to Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton, suggesting Paxton’s body might not qualify for the same treatment. Trump also mentioned a proposed $5,000 dividend for American adults if Republicans win both chambers of Congress. He joked that the money could buy a hamburger at Mar-a-Lago.

Supporters have traveled extensively to see the President. Blake Marnell, a dedicated fan from San Diego known as "Brick Suit," took October off work to attend rallies. He described the schedule as intense but enjoyable. Cindy New from Emerald Isle, North Carolina, attended the Greenville rally for the first time. She said she wanted to see him while he is still active in the race. Valerie Thivierge from Fort Myers, Florida, closed her store to attend. She said the rallies are a central part of her year.

Trump acknowledged the physical toll of the campaign. He said his voice was operating at 49.2 percent after a rally in Daytona Beach, Florida. He described 28 days of continuous campaigning as exhausting. He ended a rally in Corpus Christi, Texas, by asking supporters to win on November 3. He said the past 11 years have been unique and urged the crowd to do what they do best.