‘You Look Like Hell’: Trump Body-Shames Reuters Journalist After Question On His Health

US President lashes out at reporter over cancelled Kansas and Iowa campaign rallies, insisting he is in perfect health as Republicans prepare for crucial midterm elections

US President Donald Trump lashed out at a Reuters journalist on Thursday, telling him he looked “like hell” and urging him to “put yourself in shape” after the reporter questioned whether the President’s health had influenced his decision to cancel planned campaign rallies in Kansas and Iowa.

The tense exchange began when the journalist asked Trump whether he had decided against travelling to Kansas because he was feeling unwell after weeks of campaigning across the country.

Trump reacted angrily to the question, telling the reporter, “Oh, you're sick to ask that question. You are sick.” When the journalist identified himself as being from Reuters, Trump added, “Reuters is terrible, by the way.”

The reporter attempted to clarify that he was asking about the President’s well-being. Trump, however, turned the exchange towards the journalist’s physical appearance, briefly mimicking him before launching a personal attack.

“Look at this guy. He's way out of shape,” Trump said.

When the reporter again asked whether he was feeling well, Trump insisted that he was in perfect health.

“I've been following me for two weeks. I feel perfect,” he said, before telling the journalist, “You are disgusting. Put yourself in shape. You look like hell.”

Trump Cancels Kansas And Iowa Campaign Rallies

The confrontation came after Trump cancelled planned campaign appearances in Kansas and Iowa ahead of Tuesday’s midterm elections, which will determine whether Republicans retain their narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress.

The rallies had been scheduled for Salina, Kansas, on Saturday and Dubuque, Iowa, on Sunday.

Trump told reporters that he did not “feel like I have to go to Kansas”, while expressing confidence in the electoral prospects of Republican Senator Roger Marshall.

The Republican National Committee subsequently announced the cancellation of the Iowa rally as well.

Instead of appearing in person, Trump’s campaign funding group, MAGA Inc, said it would organise tele-rallies featuring the President in at least 19 states, including Kansas and Iowa, before Election Day.

Trump Has Held 25 Rallies Since October 1

Trump has held 25 rallies across 19 states since October 1 as he seeks to boost Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections.

The outcome will determine whether Republicans retain their narrow control of the US Senate and the House of Representatives, making the final stretch of campaigning politically significant for the President’s party.

Despite cancelling the two appearances, Trump is expected to travel to Florida on Friday for another campaign event.

Trump Previously Acknowledged Demands Of Campaign Schedule

Trump has previously spoken about the physical demands of maintaining an intensive campaign schedule.

Addressing a rally in Mississippi on Monday, he remarked, “God didn't make your vocal cords to do a rally every day.”

His latest exchange with the Reuters journalist came amid questions about his decision to abandon two planned campaign appearances. Trump maintained that he felt well and offered no indication in the exchange that his health had prompted the cancellations.