In very sad(!) news today, Donald Trump announced he will be cancelling his planned Thursday rally in Cedar Rapids, due to an “unforeseen change in President Trump’s schedule.” It will be rescheduled at a later date, possibly as soon as early in the following week.
Some people were a little surprised when Trump scheduled a campaign rally in Iowa, just five months into his presidency. He’s held political events like these in a few other states since taking office, as it seems to rejuvenate the president, who loves events where he’s cheered on by thousands of supporters. Their purpose beyond that, however, have been difficult to ascertain. Originally Trump promised to campaign in the districts of Republicans who won’t sign on to part of his legislative agenda, but his previous campaign events haven’t always matched up with that.
It’s possible the Iowa event is part of a longterm push to get Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst on board with the AHCA bill that is coming up soon in the Senate. Vice President Mike Pence will be appearing at Ernst’s annual Roast and Ride fundraiser next Saturday. It’s possible that Trump, after his trip through several European countries he’s not particularly fond of, just wanted a friendly state to go to.
Many people have immediately speculated that mounting legal concerns at the White House necessitated some extra time this week back in D.C. With new reports that Jared Kushner attempted to establish a secret backchannel with Russia, the investigation into Trump’s Russia ties have now extended to his closest aides.
Or, perhaps after ten days flying all over the world, Trump is simply worn out and needed a few days to decompress back home. That vaunted stamina only goes so far.
by Pat Rynard
Posted 5/27/17