28 Days: Trump's Final Sprint for Midterm Victory
The President held over 25 rallies in October, alternating between nostalgia and new jokes to support struggling Republican candidates.
By Sanjay Caldwell ·
President Donald Trump has spent the last month on a relentless campaign trail to support Republican candidates in the 2026 midterms.
The President held more than 25 rallies in October, focusing on red states where his party faces political headwinds. His stops were designed to boost Senate candidates he personally selected, including Darline Graham in South Carolina and Michael Whatley in North Carolina. These candidates have struggled to generate enthusiasm among Republican voters. Trump’s presence aims to bridge that gap before the November 3 election.
In Greenville, North Carolina, the President asked supporters to treat the race as if he were still on the ballot. He argued that Democrats want to undo his administration's achievements, specifically citing tax cuts and border policies. "Please pretend I'm on the ballot cause in a way I am on the ballot," he told the crowd. He framed the midterms as a defense of his legacy rather than a standard partisan contest.
The rallies featured a mix of familiar themes and new material. Trump frequently referenced his tariffs, calling it his favorite word. He also introduced a new bit about Ohio Senator Jon Husted, joking that he had studied the senator's physical appearance. "I made the mistake of saying that I started off by studying his ass," he said. He claimed this joke helped Husted gain 12 points in the polls, though the President also used the joke in Texas, where he was supporting candidate Ken Paxton.
Trump tied his $5,000 dividend proposal to a visit to his Mar-a-Lago resort. He suggested that the dividend amount would only cover a hamburger and a small dessert at his Florida property. This comment highlighted the tension between his affordability message and his personal lifestyle. The President described the events as a performance for his loyal base, noting that the crowds provided a source of energy during the long speeches.
Supporters have made the journey to see the President one last time. Blake Marnell, a dedicated fan known as "Mr. Wall," took the entire month of October off work to attend multiple rallies. He traveled from San Diego to North Carolina to be in the front row. "I'm just going from rally to rally," Marnell said. Another attendee, Cindy New from Emerald Isle, North Carolina, said she had never seen Trump live despite voting for him three times. She viewed the Greenville stop as a final opportunity to see him before he potentially steps back from the stage.
The President's schedule has seen last-minute changes. The Republican National Committee initially announced that Trump would cancel two in-person rallies in Iowa and Kansas to hold tele-rallies instead. Less than 24 hours later, the party reversed course. The President will now hold back-to-back rallies in both states on Sunday. A source familiar with the decision said Trump loves his supporters and wants to see them in person.
The President admitted to feeling tired after 28 days of continuous campaigning. He told a crowd in Daytona Beach, Florida, that his voice was operating at about 49.2%. He expressed relief at the prospect of finishing the tour but emphasized the need for victory. "We've got to win," he told the crowd in Corpus Christi, Texas, as he closed out a rally.
