President Trump reinstates Kansas and Iowa rallies ahead of midterms

President Trump initially cancelled two in-person rallies in Kansas and Iowa, opting for a slate of tele-rallies, but the events were reinstated on Friday to fit the broader schedule of 19 virtual appearances. The Republican National Committee had announced the shift on Thursday, saying the party was in a "strong position" in both states, before a source confirmed the rallies were back on the agenda.

The decision comes as the midterm elections, set for next week, are viewed as a test of the administration’s standing in Congress. Republicans are seeking to retain control of the House and Senate, while Democrats aim to make gains in traditionally Republican districts.

In a Thursday press briefing, President Trump said he expected "a strong Tuesday night" for Republicans and noted that Senator Roger Marshall’s performance in Kansas reduced the need for a personal appearance. The president’s tele-rallies will target 19 states, including competitive Senate contests in Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, Texas and South Carolina, as well as key House and gubernatorial races across the country.

A recent Guardian/Harris poll of about 2,000 adults found cost-of-living concerns and perceptions of government corruption to be top issues for voters heading into the election.