Trump Mocks Reporter's Appearance After Query on Canceled Kansas Trip

President Trump aggressively criticized a male reporter on Thursday, calling him "way out of shape" and stating "you look like hell" after the journalist inquired about the cancellation of a campaign trip to Kansas.

Upon returning to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland from a trip to South Carolina, Trump bristled when the reporter asked about his health and travel schedule. "Mr. President, you’ve been doing a lot of travel. We’ve been doing a lot of travel with you. How are you doing? How is your health?" the reporter asked.

Trump initially responded, "I think very good. I think you see that," before stating they had a "great rally" and predicted a "strong Tuesday night." However, when the reporter pressed further, asking if the cancellation of the Kansas trip was related to fatigue from traveling, Trump turned his attention to the journalist.

"You are a sick guy. Reuters is terrible, by the way," Trump stated. He then elaborated on his decision to cancel the Kansas event, explaining that he felt it was unnecessary because Sen. Roger Marshall was performing well. Trump announced he would instead participate in a tele-rally and travel to Florida the following day. "He said, ‘What’s the reason?’ After doing what, 28? He says, ‘What’s the reason for this, sir, that you’re not going to Kansas?’ You know what the reason is? I don’t feel I have to go to Kansas," Trump recounted.

He continued his personal attack on the reporter, who had reportedly been covering his travels for two weeks. "I feel perfect. You are disgusting. Put yourself in shape. You look like hell."

The White House’s rapid response team later celebrated Trump's remarks, tagging the reporter, identified as Jacob Bogage of Reuters, on X.

Trump has a history of criticizing reporters, often focusing on women's appearances. However, he has also recently praised the physical appearance of male figures. The White House had previously indicated that Trump would continue to engage with supporters through over 20 tele-rallies before Election Day. A former communications director for Trump, Hope Hicks, had previously stated, "Donald Trump is never tired and he is never sick."