Trump reverses rally cancellations after lashing out at reporter

President Donald Trump will hold campaign rallies in Kansas and Iowa on Nov. 1, reversing a decision to cancel both events. The White House confirmed the change on Oct. 30 after the president appeared to change his mind following a heated exchange with a reporter.

The shift occurs as Republicans work to protect their majorities in the House and Senate ahead of the midterms on Nov. 3. Democratic candidates are currently leading in several states that previously favored the GOP.

On Oct. 29, Trump returned to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland after attending a rally in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He was greeted by a group of reporters, including Jacob Bogage of Reuters.

Bogage asked the president if he planned to cancel a rally supporting Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall because he was tired of traveling. Trump responded, “You’re sick to ask that question. You are sick.”

The president then criticized Bogage’s physical appearance and his news agency. “Look at this dope,” Trump said. “Look at this guy. He’s way out of shape.”

Trump explained that he planned to hold a telerally instead of a physical event in Kansas because Marshall was performing well. He told Bogage, “You’ve been following me for two weeks. I feel perfect. You are disgusting. Put yourself in shape. You look like hell.”

The outburst followed an announcement by the Republican National Committee that Trump would cancel rallies in Kansas on Oct. 31 and Iowa on Nov. 1. Joe Gruters, the RNC chair, stated that voters want to hear from the president before Election Day. He described the upcoming schedule as a “72-hour sprint” that would boost the party in the final days of the campaign.

New CNN polls released on Oct. 29 show Democrats leading Senate races in Maine, Michigan, Kansas, and Texas. In Kansas, Democrat Adam Hamilton leads Republican Sen. Roger Marshall by four points. In Maine, Democrat Troy Jackson leads Republican Sen. Susan Collins by four points.

In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed leads Republican Mike Rogers by seven points. In Texas, Democrat James Talarico leads Republican Ken Paxton by six points. Democrats need to gain four Senate seats to take control of the chamber. Republicans currently hold three of the four seats included in the latest CNN poll.

Economic data shows the nation's gross domestic product grew at an annual rate of 3.4% from July through September. The annual inflation rate accelerated to 3.7% in September, driven largely by energy prices linked to the Iran war. Trump has held rallies in red states recently, where he has addressed questions about his health. The 80-year-old president was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency in July 2025 and has been spotted with hand bruises during public events.