Trump says Talarico absence due to 'mental illness' or food poisoning

Trump says Talarico’s campaign absence was either ‘mental illness’ or food poisoning from meat

Published October 27, 2026 4:57pm ET Updated October 27, 2026 4:57pm ET

President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico’s disappearance from the campaign trail earlier this month was either because of a “mental illness” or food poisoning from eating meat.

“He’s going around to so many barbecues,” Trump said while rallying in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Tuesday afternoon. “It’s probably why — either that or he has a mental illness — he disappeared for 12 to 14 days. It’s actually probably 14 if you really look at it. Missing in action.”