Trump holds 25 rallies in October amid midterm push
The president is using his final campaign stops to boost struggling GOP candidates and promote a $5,000 dividend, despite recent scheduling changes.
By Elizabeth Turner ·
More than 25 rallies were held in October alone, a schedule that President Donald Trump described as a series of final events before the November 3 election.
Trump traveled to South Carolina and North Carolina to support Republican Senate candidates Darline Graham and Michael Whatley. Both candidates were selected by Trump personally but have struggled to generate excitement among party voters in their respective states.
At a rally in Greenville, North Carolina, Trump asked supporters to treat the election as if he were still a candidate. He cited the tax cuts and border security measures as key reasons for the vote, stating that opponents wanted to dismantle those policies.
The president also promoted a $5,000 dividend for American adults if Republicans win both chambers of Congress. During a speech in Lubbock, Texas, he joked that the money would not be enough to buy a hamburger and dessert at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
Trump repeated a recent joke about Ohio Senator Jon Husted, claiming he had studied the senator's physical appearance. He stated that Husted’s polling numbers rose by 12 points on the day the joke was introduced, although he noted that his comments about Texas candidate Ken Paxton were less complimentary.
Supporters attended the events in large numbers. Blake Marnell, a fan from San Diego known for wearing a suit resembling a brick wall, attended multiple rallies across the country. He described his October as a full month off work dedicated to following the campaign trail.
Valerie Thivierge, a store owner in Fort Myers, Florida, closed her business to attend a local rally. She said she wanted to see Trump in person before the term limit rules take effect in the 2028 election cycle.
The Republican National Committee initially announced the cancellation of two weekend rallies in Iowa and Kansas in favor of tele-rallies. Less than 24 hours later, the in-person events were reinstated for Sunday. A source familiar with the change said Trump would hold back-to-back rallies in both states.
Source: Connecticut Public Television
