Trump Reschedules Canceled Rallies in Iowa and Kansas for Sunday

President Donald Trump will hold campaign rallies in both Iowa and Kansas on Sunday, a schedule change from his original plan to visit the states on separate days. A person familiar with the itinerary said the president had previously canceled weekend trips to the two critical Midwestern states before rescheduling them.

Trump initially planned to appear in Salina, Kansas, on Saturday and Dubuque, Iowa, on Sunday. The Republican National Committee announced those cancellations on Thursday, stating the president would instead conduct a series of phone rallies, or telerallies, to reach a wider audience. The party described the telerallies as a cost-effective alternative to in-person events, which often involve long speeches. Trump will now appear in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Sunday, according to another official familiar with the plans.

The president pushed back against questions regarding the initial cancellations while returning to Washington from South Carolina. He told a reporter he was not visiting Kansas because Senator Roger Marshall was performing well in the polls. “I feel perfect,” Trump said, adding that he did not feel he had to go to Kansas.

Both states face competitive Senate races that will influence the balance of power in the chamber. Republican Senator Roger Marshall seeks reelection in Kansas against Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton. In Iowa, Republican candidate Ashley Hinson, currently a member of the House, runs against Democratic opponent. Trump visited both states earlier in October to support his candidates.

Vice President JD Vance traveled to Kansas earlier this week to campaign for Marshall. The vice president had also planned a news conference in St. Cloud, Minnesota, on Friday to discuss anti-fraud efforts. A person with knowledge of the schedule said Vance canceled that event due to scheduling conflicts.

In a Friday interview with a Kansas City radio station, Trump called Marshall “fantastic.” The president credited the senator for advocating policies that benefit Kansas farmers, including expanded use of tax-free red-dyed diesel. Trump described Hamilton as a “radical” who caused turmoil in the church because of his liberal views. Hamilton has previously stated that if Jesus were present today, Marshall would label him “woke.”

The final days of the midterm campaign have featured shifting schedules and a focus on affordability. Trump has headlined 25 rallies in October as he attempts to help Republicans retain their congressional majorities. The RNC has not released a detailed schedule for the additional telerallies added to the president’s itinerary.