WILMINGTON, N.C. >> Donald Trump had to cancel his first planned rally Saturday since the start of his criminal hush money trial because of a storm in North Carolina, an added complication for the former president and presumptive Republican nominee as he juggles legal troubles and his rematch against President Joe Biden.

Trump called into the rally near the Wilmington airport less than an hour before he was scheduled to take the stage and apologized to a few thousand supporters who had gathered throughout the afternoon.

Trump promised to reschedule a rally at the same location, with a “bigger and better” event.

The cancellation underscores the difficulty Trump faces as he tries to manage a presidential bid with a criminal trial in New York that will keep him in court for most of the week.

Opening arguments for the trial are expected to begin on Monday.

— The Associated Press