Trump backtracks on rallies in turbulent end to midterms campaign

President Donald Trump declared on Friday that Republicans have a chance at victory in the US midterms, despite the campaign's hectic conclusion, which would determine control of Congress. He later reinstated two rallies in Kansas and Iowa, after cancelling them, a decision that raised concerns about his health and the election's trajectory.

Trump told reporters at the Oval Office that he believed they could perform "pretty well," but did not offer a strong prediction of Republican success in the November 3 vote. The 80-year-old president emphasized that Republicans are defending their 53-47 Senate majority, while Democrats aim to win at least one chamber of Congress and curb Trump's legislative agenda during his final two years in office.

Trump positioned himself as the focal point of the Republican midterm strategy, hoping it would energize his MAGA base. However, his declining approval ratings and public dissent over the Iran war and living expenses might negatively impact Republican prospects. Trump, who complained of losing his voice earlier in the week, denied that he canceled the Kansas trip due to fatigue from travel.

He asserted, "I feel perfect," and argued that Republican Senator Roger Marshall was performing well. However, Trump's reversal in decision-making was likely driven by concerns over his energy levels, as suggested by political strategist Mike Fahey. Both Kansas and Iowa voted strongly for Trump in 2024, but are emerging as surprising battlegrounds for Republicans.

Marshall faces a tough challenge from Democrat Adam Hamilton in Kansas, a state that hasn't elected a Democratic senator since 1932. In Iowa, Republican congresswoman Ashley Hinson is in a tight race against Democrat Josh Turek. Pope Leo XIV, the first US-born pontiff to cast a ballot in a political election, voted in Chicago, marking a historic moment for the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.

The head of the Catholic Church, who has had a contentious relationship with Trump, submitted his mail-in ballot in Chicago, as reported by the Vatican. Trump urged Republicans to "pretend I'm on the ballot" in the midterms, highlighting his presidential wins in 2016 and 2024, which defied early polls. He promised a $5,000 dividend for every American citizen if Republicans retain control of Congress and intensified his criticism of migrants, Muslims, and transgender individuals.

Trump also warned of a potential third impeachment if Republicans lose, though Democrats may focus more on the 2028 presidential election. Democrats fear Trump will not accept a Republican loss, similar to his refusal to concede in the 2020 presidential election after alleging widespread voter fraud.