Trump Insults Reuters Reporter Over Travel Questions After Cancelling Events

US President Donald Trump attacked a Reuters reporter's appearance after being asked if cancelling campaign stops meant he was tired of travelling. The exchange happened on Thursday as Trump returned to Washington following a South Carolina rally.

The Incident

The reporter, identified as White House correspondent Jacob Bogage, asked about Trump dropping plans to attend a Saturday rally for Republican Senator Roger Marshall in Kansas. Trump also cancelled weekend campaign stops in Iowa, with allies stating he would instead join events by phone after four weeks of travel to support Republican candidates. Trump stated he did not feel he needed to visit Kansas because Marshall was performing well against Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton, and confirmed plans to travel to Florida on Friday while holding a tele-rally instead.

The Exchange

When Bogage asked if the schedule change indicated that Trump, described as 80 in the text, was sick of travelling, the president lashed out. Trump called the reporter sick for asking the question and attacked his physical condition. Trump told the reporter he looked like hell and told him to put himself in shape, calling him disgusting. Trump also noted that the journalist had been following him for two weeks and insisted he felt perfectly well.

Campaign Changes

The Republican National Committee subsequently announced the cancellation of the Iowa rally, where several congressional races are competitive. MAGA Inc, a political funding group supporting Trump, stated it will arrange telephone rallies with the president in at least 19 states before Election Day, including Kansas and Iowa. Trump has completed 25 rallies across 19 states since October 1, often visiting rural areas in states that typically support Republicans, ahead of Tuesday elections that will determine if the party maintains its slim majorities in the Senate and House of Representatives.

Context

Presidential campaign schedules are grueling, often involving heavy travel across multiple states in tight timeframes as elections approach. Candidates and reporters spend weeks on the road together, which can occasionally lead to tense interactions under pressure. Security and media teams travel closely with the candidate throughout these high-stakes campaign periods.