US President Donald Trump canceled planned weekend campaign rallies in Kansas and Iowa on Thursday, opting instead to address voters through telephone events as Republicans prepare for Tuesday's closely contested midterm elections.
The decision follows four weeks of extensive campaigning across the country, with Trump seeking to strengthen Republican candidates' prospects of retaining control of Congress.
Trump had been scheduled to appear in Salina, Kansas, on Saturday and Dubuque, Iowa, on Sunday, where competitive congressional races could influence the balance of power in Washington.
In Kansas, Republican Senator Roger Marshall faces an unexpectedly close contest against Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton.
Concerns about rising costs associated with the war in Iran have contributed to the race becoming competitive in a state that has not elected a Democratic senator in nearly a century.
Trump expressed confidence in Marshall's prospects, saying he did not believe a personal appearance in Kansas was necessary.
The Republican National Committee subsequently confirmed the Iowa cancellation, explaining that the revised schedule was intended to expand Trump's ability to reach voters nationwide.
MAGA Inc, a Trump-aligned campaign funding organization, announced plans to organize telephone rallies featuring the president in at least 19 states, including Kansas and Iowa, before Election Day.
Since October 1, Trump has conducted 25 rallies across 19 states, frequently appearing in rural Republican-leaning communities.
His broader campaign strategy had included plans to visit 35 locations to encourage Republican turnout.
The demanding schedule has drawn attention after Trump acknowledged difficulties associated with delivering lengthy speeches almost daily.
Speaking with a hoarse voice in Mississippi on Monday, he referred to the strain on his vocal cords.
However, Trump rejected suggestions that his reduced travel schedule reflected health concerns, insisting Thursday that he felt well.
He remains expected to attend additional campaign events before Tuesday, including a scheduled appearance in Florida on Friday.
The elections will determine whether Republicans maintain their narrow majorities in both the Senate and House of Representatives.