US President Donald Trump briefly interrupted his campaign rally in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Friday after appearing to have difficulty keeping one eye open, prompting renewed discussion about his health just days before the midterm elections.
Trump paused his address, dipped a napkin into a cup of water and used it to wipe his eye before continuing with his speech. He told the crowd, “Do you mind? I got a thing in my eye, watch this.”
After wiping his eye, Trump said, “Ah, that's so much better,” before adding that he wished he had some eye drops.
Trump responds to health speculation
The President also referred to questions about his condition that followed the initial cancellation of two campaign rallies planned for the weekend. “If I did, they'd say I was seriously ill, that there's something wrong with me,” Trump, 80, said.
The planned appearances in Kansas and Iowa had earlier been called off, leading to speculation about his health. Trump has maintained that he felt “perfect.” Both events were later reinstated on Friday, shortly before the midterm elections.
Social media reaction
The crowd at the Daytona Beach rally appeared amused by the interruption and laughed as Trump resumed his remarks. The episode, however, triggered criticism from some users after footage was posted on X.
One user wrote, “Good lord! They need to get grandpa off the stage. He is losing it.” Another claimed, “He's seriously ill. There's something wrong with him,” while a third user commented, “His comedy skits are ending in 2028.”
Why the midterm elections matter
The US midterm elections will decide which party controls Congress. Voters will elect all 435 members of the House of Representatives, whose terms last two years, as well as roughly one-third of the 100-member Senate, where senators serve six-year terms.
Control of either chamber gives the majority party significant authority over the legislative agenda, committee leadership and federal budget decisions.
A change in congressional control could affect Trump's ability to pursue his agenda. An opposition majority could expand congressional investigations, contest proposed legislation and, in the Senate, delay or block the confirmation of federal judges and senior administration officials.
Follow us
