Trump Pauses at Daytona Beach Rally to Dab Eye

President Donald Trump paused his speech at a campaign rally in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Friday to address his eyes. The 80-year-old leader dipped a napkin into a cup of water and dabbed at his face. He then told the crowd, “Ah, that’s so much better.”

Trump joked that he wished he had eye drops with him. He directed a comment toward critics who have questioned his health after he initially cancelled rallies in Kansas and Iowa. “If I did, they’d say I was seriously ill, that there’s something wrong with me,” he said. Both events were later reinstated, and he is expected to visit those states on Sunday.

This incident follows a Cabinet meeting earlier this year where Trump addressed similar concerns. Speaking in the White House Cabinet Room on January 29, he blamed boredom for closing his eyes. “Some people said, he closed his eyes. Look, it got pretty boring,” he told officials. He added, “I didn’t sleep, by the way. I don’t sleep much.”

Renewed scrutiny of his health has intensified this week. Trump told reporters he feels “perfect.” Just one day before the Florida rally, he reacted sharply to a question from a Reuters reporter about cancelling the Kansas stop due to travel fatigue. “Oh, you’re sick to ask that question. You are sick,” he replied. He called the reporter a “dope” and criticized his appearance, stating, “He’s way out of shape. You are disgusting. Put yourself in shape. You look like hell.”

Several protesters interrupted the speech in Daytona Beach. Trump claimed they were being paid by billionaire Democratic donor George Soros. One protester wore a shirt demanding the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The rally took place days before voters head to the polls on November 3. Control of Congress is at stake in the upcoming midterm elections.

Trump continued speaking to supporters in Florida after the brief pause. He did not stop the event to address the incident further beyond his initial comments about the water and the potential criticism from opponents.