30 October 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : US President Donald Trump sparked controversy after making personal remarks about a journalist’s appearance during a tense exchange with reporters on Thursday. Trump targeted Reuters journalist Jacob Bogage after he questioned the president about cancelling planned campaign rallies in Kansas and Iowa and whether the decision was linked to his health or exhaustion from travelling.
The exchange took place as Trump was speaking to reporters after arriving in Washington. When Bogage asked whether his decision to skip the Kansas rally had anything to do with being tired of travelling, Trump reacted angrily and accused the journalist of asking a sick question.
The president then turned his attention to the reporter’s physical appearance, calling him out of shape and telling him to improve his fitness.
Trump Attacks Reuters Journalist
The confrontation began when Bogage asked Trump whether his decision not to travel to Kansas was connected to his health after weeks of campaigning across the country.
Trump responded by saying, “Oh, you’re sick to ask that question. You are sick. Who are you with?”
When the journalist identified himself as a Reuters reporter, Trump criticised the news agency, saying, “Reuters is terrible, by the way.”
Bogage attempted to clarify that he was simply asking about the president’s well-being. However, Trump continued the exchange and began commenting on the journalist’s physical appearance.
“Look at this dope, look at this guy, he’s way out of shape,” Trump said.
He later added, “You are disgusting. Put yourself in shape. You look like hell.”
The comments drew attention because the original question concerned Trump’s health and his decision to cancel two campaign appearances. The journalist did not respond with a personal attack and had said he wanted to make sure the president was doing well.
Trump Says He Is in Perfect Health
During the exchange, Trump rejected the suggestion that his travel schedule or health had influenced his decision to cancel the Kansas appearance.
He insisted that he was feeling perfectly well and said he had been travelling extensively over the previous two weeks.
“I feel perfect,” Trump told the reporter, while defending his decision not to attend the Kansas event.
The president also said he did not believe an in-person visit to Kansas was necessary because Republican Senator Roger Marshall was doing well in the state.
Trump was expected to campaign for Marshall, who is facing a challenge from Democratic candidate Adam Hamilton in the upcoming US midterm elections.
Why Trump Cancelled Kansas and Iowa Rallies
The controversy came after Trump cancelled planned campaign appearances in Salina, Kansas, on Saturday and Dubuque, Iowa, on Sunday.
The events were intended to support Republican candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. The Republican National Committee subsequently confirmed that the Iowa rally would also not take place as originally planned.
Instead of attending the events in person, Trump’s campaign funding organisation, MAGA Inc., announced plans for a series of virtual campaign appearances, commonly known as tele-rallies.
The Republican National Committee said the virtual events would allow Trump to reach voters in multiple states during the final days of campaigning.
Trump said he did not feel it was necessary to visit Kansas because he believed Marshall was performing well. However, the cancellation attracted attention because the Republican senator was facing a competitive election contest.
Trump Continues Campaigning in Other States
Despite cancelling the Kansas and Iowa appearances, Trump was expected to travel to Florida on Friday for another campaign event.
According to reports, Trump had participated in 25 rallies across 19 states since October 1 as part of efforts to support Republican candidates.
The president has repeatedly encouraged voters to support Republican candidates in the midterm elections, which will determine control of the US House of Representatives and Senate.
His demanding campaign schedule has also drawn attention to the physical challenges of holding frequent rallies and travelling across the country.
At a rally in Mississippi earlier in the week, Trump acknowledged the strain of delivering speeches regularly, saying that human vocal cords were not made for holding a rally every day.
Health Questions Become Part of Political Debate
Questions about Trump’s health and stamina have become a recurring subject of public discussion, particularly during his extensive campaign schedule.
The president has repeatedly defended his physical condition when questioned by journalists. In Thursday’s exchange, however, the discussion shifted from his health to the journalist’s appearance.
The incident also renewed attention to Trump’s confrontational relationship with sections of the media. He has frequently criticised journalists and news organisations during public appearances, particularly when questioned about sensitive political issues.
The latest exchange occurred just days before the US midterm elections, making the cancellation of campaign appearances and the president’s response to questions about his schedule subjects of political attention.
While Trump maintained that he was in perfect health and had no need to attend the Kansas rally, his remarks about the Reuters journalist became a separate talking point following the confrontation.