Video/Trump interrupts Florida speech after eye irritation: They’ll say I’m very sick

During an election rally in Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S. President Donald Trump had to pause his speech for a few moments because he was having trouble keeping one eye open. He used a damp tissue to wipe it.

The incident occurred about an hour after the event began. The rally was held as part of the campaign for the U.S. midterm elections taking place on Tuesday.

“Is there a problem? I’ve got something in my eye, look,” Trump told the crowd before wiping his eye with the tissue.

Afterward, he said, “Ah, much better now,” and tossed the remaining water toward the audience. The president also mentioned eye drops, saying he wished he had brought them with him.

Trump used the incident to respond to critics who have questioned his health, particularly after two rallies scheduled in Kansas and Iowa were initially canceled.

“If I used them, they’d say I’m very sick and that something is wrong with me,” he said.

The two campaign events were initially canceled, prompting speculation about the reasons for the decision, but both were added back to the schedule on Friday.

A day earlier, the president also clashed with a Reuters reporter. The reporter asked whether Trump had canceled his trip to Kansas because he was tired of traveling. The president responded harshly, insulting the reporter and commenting on his physical appearance.

The Florida rally was also interrupted by several protesters, at least three of whom were removed from the event. Trump claimed, without providing evidence, that they were being paid by billionaire Democratic donor George Soros.

During his speech, Trump attacked Democrats and repeated his promise that every adult American would receive $5,000 if Republicans secured control of both chambers of Congress.

The president also spoke about the conflict with Iran, claiming that the United States had neutralized Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. He also mentioned the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.