Trump swaps Midwest rallies for phone blitz as midterm approval plummets

Key points

• The Republican National Committee announced Trump would replace weekend in-person events with phone-based telerallies to maximize reach in competitive states.
• Trump had held 25 rallies in October, falling short of his initial goal of over 30, and acknowledged physical strain from the schedule.
• Vice President JD Vance also canceled a planned press conference in Minnesota regarding the administration's 'War on Fraud' initiative.
• Trump’s approval rating has hit historic lows, driven by voter frustration over high gasoline prices and the ongoing conflict with Iran.
• Prediction markets and polls indicate Democrats are favored to take control of both the House and Senate, with 52% of Americans preferring Democratic control.

Background

Recent archive coverage highlights that this strategic pivot follows a month of intense travel, with the White House citing efficiency over physical presence. Earlier reports noted that while some GOP officials welcomed the reduced logistical burden, others in competitive states like Kansas worried about losing the morale boost of an in-person appearance for incumbent Senator Roger Marshall. The shift also occurs as the Justice Department escalates its investigation into the Alaska Senate race, where allegations of ballot confusion involving a duplicate candidate name have drawn scrutiny.

How outlets are covering it

The Republican National Committee framed the cancellation as a tactical '72-hour sprint' to reach voters in nearly 20 states, with Chairman Joe Gruters calling it a 'huge boost' in the closing days. In contrast, Democrats, including Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, characterized the move as a sign that Trump has 'given up' on turning out Republican voters. The New York Times noted that the RNC claimed Republicans were performing well in the canceled states, making in-person visits unnecessary, while CNBC highlighted that officials did not provide explicit reasons for the cancellations. Trump himself dismissed health concerns, telling a Reuters reporter he felt 'perfect,' though he had previously acknowledged the strain on his vocal cords.

Why it matters

The shift from in-person to virtual campaigning signals a potential loss of momentum for Republicans in the final days of the midterm cycle. With approval ratings at historic lows and Democrats favored to sweep Congress, the decision to prioritize breadth over depth in key swing states may reflect a broader anxiety about voter turnout and the impact of the Iran war and economic costs on the electorate.

What to watch

Trump is scheduled to hold an in-person rally in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Friday to support gubernatorial and Senate candidates. No events have been announced for Monday, the final day of the campaign. The Justice Department is expected to continue its investigation into the Alaska Senate race, while the outcome of the midterms will determine whether Republicans retain control of Congress or face a Democratic sweep.