+++ US-Midterms +++: Nach Absagen – Trump reist nun doch zu Wahlkampfveranstaltungen

As election day approaches in the United States, President Donald Trump has canceled two personal campaign appearances in Iowa and Kansas. Instead, Trump opted to make campaign calls to support Republican candidates nationwide, according to the Republican National Committee. This move allows Trump to reach voters across the country.

Planned telephone rallies were to take place in nearly 20 states. With the midterm elections approaching on Tuesday, Republican control of the Senate and House of Representatives in Washington is at risk. In both Kansas and Iowa, Republicans are expected to face tight races. Trump had planned to make over 30 campaign appearances before the election in October, and by Thursday, he had completed 25.

On Monday, Trump appeared before an audience in Mississippi with a hoarse voice. When asked on Thursday if he would travel to Kansas due to health concerns, Trump reacted irritably. "They've been following me for two weeks," he said, "I feel great." According to media reports, Trump reportedly discussed further steps in the Iran conflict with a high-ranking military official, Admiral Brad Cooper, during a rare personal meeting at the White House.

The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials, reported that Cooper briefed Trump on military options in Iran, including a US naval blockade against Iranian ports and coastal areas. The New York Times also reported, based on US officials, that the briefing focused on the effectiveness of the US blockade. Trump wanted to know from Cooper whether the blockade was working.

The US Navy has been escorting civilian ships through the Strait of Hormuz to restore oil and liquefied natural gas trade. The reports also indicate that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other cabinet members attended the meeting.