Former President Donald Trump abruptly canceled yet another scheduled media event on Tuesday, raising fresh concerns about his energy and ability to handle the demands of the 2024 presidential campaign. The canceled event, a virtual roundtable with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, was expected to generate significant media attention, but The Hill’s Hanna Trudo reported that the event was called off at the last minute.
This cancellation is just the latest in a string of unexpected pullbacks from the former president, as rumors circulate that the 78-year-old Trump is feeling increasingly “exhausted” by the pace of his campaign. Over the past few weeks, Trump has also backed out of several high-profile interviews, including those with CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” CNBC, and NBC News. His reluctance to face the press is beginning to raise eyebrows, even among his supporters, with questions emerging about whether he has the stamina required for the rigors of the presidency.
The cancellations are providing ammunition for Trump’s political opponents, who are quick to jump on any sign of weakness. Vice President Kamala Harris, currently on the campaign trail, wasted no time in mocking Trump’s string of no-shows. At a rally in Michigan last week, Harris didn’t hold back, suggesting that Trump’s decision to skip debates and interviews highlights concerns about his mental and physical fitness.
“Now he’s ducking debates and canceling interviews,” Harris said, drawing cheers from the crowd. “Come on! His own campaign team is saying it’s because of exhaustion. Well, if you’re exhausted on the campaign trail, what does that say about your ability to handle the toughest job in the world?”
Harris’ remarks seem to hit on a growing narrative among critics: that Trump, now nearly 80, may not have the endurance or focus necessary to endure a grueling campaign season and potentially another term in office. The campaign trail is notoriously demanding, with nonstop events, media appearances, and debates, and the former president’s repeated cancellations are beginning to cast doubt on whether he can keep up the pace.
The situation is becoming increasingly difficult for Trump’s team to spin. While some insiders insist that Trump is simply being selective about where he devotes his time and energy, the pattern of withdrawals is hard to ignore. The canceled roundtable with RFK Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard, both controversial figures in their own right, was anticipated to be a high-profile media event. Its sudden cancellation only adds fuel to the speculation that Trump may be struggling to maintain his usual level of activity.
And this isn’t just about interviews or roundtables. Trump has also been notably absent from key campaign moments, choosing not to participate in several GOP debates. While his decision to skip debates has been framed by his camp as a strategic move, it’s clear that this tactic, combined with his recent cancellations, is creating a perception that Trump may be avoiding the public spotlight more than ever before.
As the 2024 race ramps up, Trump’s campaign will need to address these growing concerns head-on. His absence from major media platforms gives his opponents a chance to control the narrative. For someone who once thrived on being the center of attention, Trump’s recent retreat from the spotlight is a stark contrast to his past campaigns.
Trump’s stamina and energy were major talking points during his previous runs for the White House, where he prided himself on his ability to handle long hours and countless events. Now, the repeated cancellations are opening up a new line of attack for his rivals. While Harris and other Democratic leaders are quick to suggest that Trump is running out of steam, even some of his GOP opponents are quietly wondering if the former president has what it takes to push through another long, grueling campaign season.
With months left until Election Day, Trump’s health and ability to manage the pressures of the campaign will likely remain a point of contention. Whether he can reassure his supporters that he’s still up to the task or whether these cancellations signal a deeper issue remains to be seen. For now, Trump’s no-shows are becoming a larger part of the conversation, raising serious questions about what the rest of his campaign will look like — and whether his age and stamina will be the Achilles heel that reshapes the 2024 race.
