Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Oct 30: US President Donald Trump launched a personal attack on a Reuters journalist on Thursday after being questioned about his health and his decision to cancel planned campaign rallies in Kansas and Iowa, telling the reporter he looked “like hell” and urging him to “put yourself in shape”.

The tense exchange took place after Trump returned from a campaign event in South Carolina. The journalist asked whether the President's decision to skip the planned Kansas rally was linked to him feeling unwell after weeks of campaigning across the country.

Trump reacted angrily, telling the reporter, “Oh, you're sick to ask that question. You are sick.” When the journalist identified himself as working for 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, shifted the focus to the journalist's appearance and briefly mimicked him while repeating the question.

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

When asked again whether he was feeling well, Trump insisted that he was in perfect health. “You've been following me for two weeks. I feel perfect,” he said, before continuing his attack on the journalist.

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

The exchange came amid questions over Trump's decision to cancel two planned weekend campaign appearances in Kansas and Iowa, where Republicans are contesting competitive races ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

The rallies were scheduled for Salina, Kansas, on Saturday, October 31, and Dubuque, Iowa, on Sunday, November 1. Trump told reporters that he did not “feel like I have to go to Kansas”, while expressing confidence in the prospects of Republican Senator Roger Marshall.

The Republican National Committee later confirmed that the Iowa rally had also been cancelled.

Instead of appearing in person, MAGA Inc, a campaign funding group aligned with Trump, announced plans to organise tele-rallies featuring the President in at least 19 states, including Kansas and Iowa, before Election Day.

According to Reuters, Trump had held 25 rallies across 19 states since October 1 as part of his efforts to support Republican candidates. The November 3 elections will determine whether Republicans retain their narrow control of the US Senate and House of Representatives.

Despite cancelling the two appearances, Trump was expected to travel to Florida on Friday for another campaign event. He has previously acknowledged the physical demands of his packed schedule. Speaking at a rally in Mississippi on Monday, he said, “God didn't make your vocal cords to do a rally every day.”

The confrontation has drawn attention to the President's response to questions about his health and the demanding pace of his campaign appearances. Trump has maintained that he feels well.