Trump insists Republicans ‘have a shot’ in midterms as rallies resume amid health concerns

President Donald Trump confidently asserted on Friday that Republicans "have a shot" at winning the upcoming US midterm elections, despite the campaign concluding with a feverish end. He reinstated two rallies in Kansas and Iowa after initially cancelling them, raising concerns about his health and the state of the race. Trump claimed the rallies were held to prevent "America-hating communists" from taking control of Congress.

He reiterated his promise to give each adult American citizen $5,000 if Republicans retained control of both chambers of Congress, though experts questioned his legal authority to do so. Although Trump acknowledged that sitting presidents' parties often underperform in midterms, he stated that the Republicans could perform "well, maybe very well."

The 80-year-old former president defended his decision to hold in-person rallies, stating that Republican officials in Iowa and Kansas requested he attend in person rather than giving a virtual address. However, Trump's comments did not present a strong assessment of Republican chances in the November 3 vote. Republicans are defending their 53-47 Senate majority, while Democrats aim to capture at least one chamber of Congress and limit Trump's legislative agenda during his final two years in office.

Trump's presence is central to the Republicans' midterm strategy, hoping his base will be energized. However, his low approval ratings and public anger over the Iran war and the cost of living could negatively impact Republican performance. Despite his recent complaints of losing his voice, Trump remained energetic during his remarks, dismissing questions about his health.

A record 47.9 million Americans had already cast their votes in the midterms, with increased participation observed in key battleground states. Among the early voters was Pope Leo, the Catholic Church's first U.S.-born pontiff, marking the first known instance of a pope voting in a political election. Trump urged Republicans to "pretend" he is on the ballot in the midterms, recalling his presidential wins in 2016 and 2024, which defied early predictions.

He has intensified his rhetoric against migrants, Muslims, and transgender individuals and warned of facing a third impeachment if Republicans lose the midterms. Democrats fear Trump will not accept a Republican defeat, as he did not in the 2020 presidential election, especially considering his recent claims of voter fraud.