Trump's eye trouble interrupts Daytona Beach rally as fresh health questions emerge ahead of midterms: 'He's seriously ill'

President Donald Trump briefly interrupted his campaign rally in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Friday after appearing to struggle to keep one eye open. Donald Trump paused during a Daytona Beach rally to wipe his eye with a wet napkin, then resumed speaking.The President paused midway through his remarks to supporters, using a napkin dipped in a cup of water to wipe his eye before continuing his speech.

The incident occurred just days before voters head to the polls for Tuesday’s midterm elections. “Do you mind? I got a thing in my eye, watch this,” Trump told the crowd at rally. In the clip shared on social media, the President can be seen dipping towel in water and then wiping his eye.

“Ah, that's so much better,” he remarked after wiping his eye. He, however, added, “I wish I had little eye drops." Trump then addressed speculation surrounding his health, taking aim at critics who had questioned his condition following the initial cancellation of two campaign rallies scheduled for the weekend.

“If I did, they'd say I was seriously ill, that there's something wrong with me,” Trump, 80, said. The audience appeared to take the interruption in stride, laughing along with Trump as he resumed his remarks. However, the moment drew a different reaction on social media, where some commentators accused the president of downplaying concerns about his health.

After footage of the incident was shared on X, one user reacted by writing: "Good lord! They need to get grandpa off the stage. He is losing it." “He's seriously ill. There's something wrong with him,” another said. “His comedy skits are ending in 2028,” a third user stated.

The POTUS had initially called off planned appearances in Kansas and Iowa, prompting questions about his health. However, he maintained that he felt “perfect.” Both rallies were subsequently reinstated on Friday, just days before the midterm elections.

The party that secures a majority in either chamber gains considerable influence over the legislative process, including setting policy priorities, appointing committee leaders and overseeing federal budget decisions. A shift in congressional power could also have major implications for the president's ability to advance his agenda.

If the opposition gains control, it can intensify congressional investigations, challenge proposed legislation and use its Senate majority to delay or reject the confirmation of federal judges and senior administration officials.

Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events.

Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics.

In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World.

Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC).

She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh.

She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More