US President Donald Trump has become the focus of renewed controversy in the final days before America's 3 November midterm elections, as a series of campaign appearances have generated headlines for personal insults, provocative language and controversial remarks that have often overshadowed Republican policy messaging.
According to reports cited by Reuters and other international media, Trump's speeches have ranged from attacks on political opponents and migrants to comments on people's physical appearance and inflammatory references to foreign countries.
Comments about Nicki Minaj reignite debate
One of the latest controversies emerged during a campaign rally in Michigan on Sunday, where Trump appeared alongside rapper Nicki Minaj.
After revisiting previous comments about Republican Senator Jon Husted's physique, Trump turned his attention to Minaj, publicly commenting on her appearance and drawing loud reactions from the crowd.
The remarks reignited criticism of the way the president speaks publicly about women, particularly high-profile public figures.
"Shithole countries" remark returns
Another major controversy erupted during a campaign event in Georgia, where Trump referred to countries including Libya, Yemen, Haiti and Somalia while discussing immigration policy.
U.S. President Donald Trump calls countries like Libya, Yemen, Haiti and Somalia "shithouse countries" https://t.co/dblrCUhDme
— Libya Review (@LibyaReview) October 25, 2026
In doing so, he revived the term "shithole countries", language that generated international condemnation during his first presidential term.
The comments prompted strong reactions in Libya, where officials from rival political camps condemned the remarks. Libya's internationally recognised government reportedly summoned a US diplomat to lodge a formal protest.
Trump later attempted to soften the fallout through a post on Truth Social praising the Libyan people while maintaining criticism of illegal immigration.
Norway also targeted
Trump caused further controversy in Michigan when he complained about never receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, joking that he did not want immigrants from Norway and using similar derogatory language in reference to the country.
The remarks appeared unrelated to any new US government policy and were widely interpreted as another expression of his frustration over not receiving the award.
Attacks on migrants and political opponents
The president also faced criticism over comments directed at Somali migrants, whom he described using derogatory language while making broader claims about immigration and welfare that critics said lacked evidence.
He repeated previously debunked claims regarding Haitian migrants in Ohio, allegations that had already generated controversy during the 2024 presidential campaign.
In another speech, Trump labelled Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed a "jihadist" and suggested links to extremist organisations. El-Sayed has rejected those accusations.
The comments prompted criticism from some Arab-American figures, including individuals who had previously supported Trump politically.
Controversial language extends to allies and critics
During a rally in Kansas, Trump used the term "Shylock", a word widely regarded as carrying antisemitic connotations because of its association with the moneylender character in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice.
At the same event, he criticised Democratic candidate and Methodist pastor Adam Hamilton, accusing him of mocking Christian values because of his positions on gender-related issues.
France and urban unrest
France also featured prominently in Trump's campaign speeches.
He repeatedly cited unrest in French cities as a warning of what could happen in the United States under Democratic leadership, linking migration to public-order concerns and arguing that similar conditions could emerge in America.
Critics have argued that such characterisations oversimplify the causes of social tensions in France.
Rhetoric overshadows economic message
The controversies come as Republicans seek to retain control of Congress amid voter concerns over inflation, fuel prices and the wider consequences of conflict in the Middle East.
For supporters, Trump's blunt language remains a defining feature of his political identity and appeal.
For critics, the repeated use of insults, personal attacks and unsubstantiated claims has shifted attention away from substantive policy debates and contributed to a deterioration in public discourse.
As election day approaches, Trump's rhetoric continues to attract as much attention as the Republican campaign platform itself.
