President Trump has called off his scheduled campaign rally in Kansas this weekend, a decision that comes as the state's closely watched Senate contest enters its final days. A White House official confirmed the cancellation on Thursday, offering no immediate explanation for the change.
Instead of a live appearance, the president will participate in a tele-rally, according to a GOP source familiar with the planning. The shift is part of a broader strategy to reach voters across the country, with more than 20 virtual events planned before Election Day. "President Trump will continue connecting directly with Americans nationwide through more than 20 telerallies before Election Day," the official said, adding that these events allow him to highlight his accomplishments and expand his reach.
The rally was originally set for Saturday at Salina Regional Airport and would have been Trump's second visit to Kansas this election cycle. In October, he held a rally in Park City, where he campaigned for Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) as the incumbent faces a tough challenge from Democrat Adam Hamilton.
The decision to go virtual comes as polling shows a competitive race. A CNN/SSRS survey released Thursday found Marshall trailing Hamilton by 4 points, while a New York Times/Siena poll from last month had the two candidates tied at 45 percent each. The shift also reflects broader concerns among Republicans about the president's political weight in battleground states, particularly as his approval ratings hover near historic lows.
According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released Monday, Trump's approval rating stands at 32 percent, up just 1 point from a record low the previous week. Rising fuel costs linked to the Iran war have further dented his popularity, prompting several GOP candidates in competitive races to keep their distance.
Republicans have been intensifying efforts to energize their base, but internal polling has suggested an enthusiasm gap favoring Democrats. Some Senate Republicans have privately voiced worries that Trump's appearances in key states could hurt vulnerable incumbents' chances.
The move to a virtual format may also reflect logistical or political calculations, though the White House has not elaborated. The president's schedule has been in flux as he balances a crowded campaign calendar with ongoing policy battles, including his pushback against Democratic impeachment efforts and similar rallies in other states.
For Marshall, the president's absence from the trail could be a double-edged sword. While it may spare him from being tied to Trump's unpopularity, it also removes a powerful draw for conservative voters in a state that Trump won by double digits in 2016 and 2020. The tele-rally is expected to be promoted heavily to supporters in the coming days.
The Kansas race remains a key battleground for control of the Senate, and both parties are pouring resources into the final stretch. Democrats see Hamilton as a strong recruit, while Republicans are banking on the state's conservative lean to carry Marshall across the finish line. The president's decision to go virtual may signal a recalibration of his campaign strategy as he seeks to maximize his influence without becoming a liability.
