You look like hell: Trump body-shames journalist on questions over cancelled rallies

US President Donald Trump body-shamed a journalist during a tense exchange, calling him "disgusting" and telling him to "put yourself in shape". The confrontation came as Trump defended his health after cancelling campaign rallies in Kansas and Iowa.

In Short

• Trump mocked a Reuters reporter's appearance during a tense exchange
• The reporter had questioned Trump about his health and travel plans
• Trump called the journalist "disgusting" and told him to get in shape

US President Donald Trump launched a personal attack on a Reuters journalist during a tense exchange with reporters on Thursday, body-shaming him over his appearance and telling him to "put yourself in shape" after being questioned about his health and decision to skip planned campaign rallies in Kansas and Iowa.

The exchange took place when the reporter asked Trump whether his decision not to travel to Kansas had anything to do with him feeling unwell after weeks of campaigning across the country.

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

The journalist attempted to clarify that he was only asking about the President's well-being. However, Trump turned his attention to the reporter's physical appearance. The US President also briefly mimicked the journalist and repeated his question.

"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 launching another personal attack on the journalist.

"You are disgusting. Put yourself in shape. You look like hell," Trump remarked.

TRUMP CANCELS KANSAS, IOWA CAMPAIGN RALLIES

The confrontation came as Trump cancelled planned weekend campaign appearances in Kansas and Iowa, where Republicans are facing competitive races ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections.

The rallies were scheduled to take place in 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 about Republican Senator Roger Marshall's prospects in the state.

The Republican National Committee later 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 a series of tele-rallies featuring the President in at least 19 states, including Kansas and Iowa, before Election Day.

Since October 1, Trump has held 25 rallies across 19 states as he campaigned to boost Republican candidates. The midterm elections will determine whether Republicans retain their narrow control of both the US Senate and House of Representatives.

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

The President has previously acknowledged the physical demands of his campaign schedule. Speaking at a rally in Mississippi on Monday, he said, "God didn't make your vocal cords to do a rally every day."

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