United States President Donald Trump has cancelled planned campaign rallies in Iowa and Kansas, opting to reach voters through virtual appearances ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
The Republican National Committee (RNC) announced the cancellations on Thursday, October 29, 2026, and unveiled plans for a series of telephone-based campaign events known as “tele-rallies”.
RNC Chairman Joe Gruters said the new approach would allow Trump to connect with more voters during the final days of the campaign.
“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,” Gruters said.
The virtual events are expected to reach nearly 20 states, including Michigan, Alaska, Texas and Iowa. The RNC also indicated that more appearances could be announced before Election Day.
Trump Tele-Rallies to Reach Voters in Nearly 20 States
The cancelled appearances were scheduled for Salina, Kansas, on Saturday and Dubuque, Iowa, on Sunday.
However, Trump is still expected to hold an in-person rally in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Friday.
The decision marks a change in the president’s campaign schedule as Republicans work to retain their narrow majorities in Congress.
Trump has placed himself at the centre of the Republican campaign, urging supporters to turn out for candidates across the country. He has repeatedly told voters to “Pretend I’m on the ballot” as he seeks to energise his political base.
The tele-rallies will give him an opportunity to address supporters in several states without travelling to each location.
Trump Responds to Questions About Cancelled Kansas Visit
Trump also addressed the decision to skip Kansas while speaking to reporters after a campaign appearance in South Carolina on Thursday.
When asked whether his travel schedule or health had influenced the cancellation, he rejected the suggestion that he was struggling with the campaign activities.
“I feel perfect,” Trump told the reporter, before criticising the journalist over the question.
He also questioned the need to visit Salina, saying he did not feel compelled to travel there.
“I don’t feel I have to go to Kansas,” the president said.
Trump’s response followed weeks of campaign appearances across the country. Reuters reported that he had held 25 rallies in 19 states since October 1.
US Midterm Elections Could Shift Control of Congress
The November 3 midterm elections will determine the balance of power in the US Congress, alongside several state and local offices.
Republicans currently hold 53 of the 100 seats in the Senate and 218 seats in the House of Representatives. All 435 House seats are up for election, while roughly one-third of Senate seats are on the ballot.
The party that controls Congress will have significant influence over Trump’s legislative agenda during the final two years of his second term.
Democrats are seeking to take control of one or both chambers, with political analysts pointing to voter concerns about living costs, foreign policy and other issues as factors shaping the contests.
The Senate race in Kansas has also attracted attention. Republican Senator Roger Marshall is facing a challenge from Democratic candidate Adam Hamilton, a pastor.
A CNN poll released on Thursday put Hamilton ahead with 49 per cent support, compared with Marshall’s 45 per cent.
Trump has expressed concern that Democrats could pursue another impeachment attempt if they secure majorities in both chambers.
The coming election will therefore be an important test of Republican support and the president’s influence over the party’s campaign strategy.