Trump Calls Reuters Reporter ‘Disgusting’ Over Questions About His Health

U.S. President Donald Trump insulted a Reuters reporter at Joint Base Andrews on Thursday after being repeatedly questioned about his decision to skip a campaign rally in Kansas ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Trump rejected suggestions that his absence was related to his health, saying he felt “perfect” before criticizing the journalist’s appearance and the news agency. “You are disgusting! Put yourself in shape. You look like hell,” Trump told the reporter during the October 29 exchange.

Reporter Questions Trump’s Kansas Rally Absence

The confrontation began when a Reuters journalist asked why Trump would not be traveling to Kansas for a scheduled Saturday campaign event. The reporter pressed the president on whether the decision was connected to his health or fatigue from recent travel. “You’re not going to Kansas. Does it have to do with you being sick?” the reporter asked, according to the exchange captured on video.

Trump dismissed the suggestion and said there was no health-related reason for his decision, maintaining that he was in good condition despite an extensive campaign schedule. The president also said the journalist had been following him for approximately two weeks.

Trump Calls Reporter ‘Sick’ and ‘Disgusting’

Trump responded to the repeated questioning by directing personal insults at the reporter. “You are sick. You are a sick guy,” the president said. He also criticized the journalist’s employer: “Reuters is terrible, by the way.”

The exchange then turned to the reporter’s physical appearance. “Look at this dope, look at this guy, way out of shape,” Trump said, before telling the journalist that he was “disgusting” and should improve his physical condition. The remarks were made in front of other members of the press gathered at Joint Base Andrews.

Trump Says He Feels ‘Perfect’

Trump rejected any suggestion that his decision to avoid the Kansas trip reflected concerns about his health. The president said he felt “perfect” and pointed to approximately 28 rallies in recent weeks as evidence of his active campaign schedule.

Trump said he had decided against traveling to Kansas because he believed his physical presence was unnecessary. He expressed confidence about the electoral situation in the state and indicated that he would participate in a tele-rally instead. The president did not announce any medical issue or health-related restriction affecting his travel plans.

Kansas Campaign Stop Replaced by Remote Appearance

Kansas has featured in Republican campaign efforts ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, and Trump had previously appeared at a campaign rally in the state. His decision not to attend another event in person prompted questions about changes to his campaign schedule.

The president maintained that the decision was political rather than medical, saying a remote appearance would allow him to address supporters without making the trip. No further details about the tele-rally’s timing or format were provided in the exchange.

Separate From Earlier Reporter Confrontation

The incident followed another confrontation between Trump and a journalist earlier in October. During an October 20 exchange in the Oval Office, Trump called Andrew Feinberg of The Independent a “sick person” amid overlapping questions. Thursday’s confrontation involved a different reporter and occurred at Joint Base Andrews.

The Reuters journalist’s questions concerned Trump’s Kansas travel plans and whether health or campaign fatigue had influenced the decision. Trump responded by denying any health concerns and directing a series of personal remarks at the reporter. The exchange took place less than a week before the midterm elections, as the president continued campaigning for Republican candidates.