US President Donald Trump criticised a Reuters reporter who questioned his decision to cancel campaign rallies in Kansas and Iowa, rejecting suggestions that he was becoming tired of travelling.
The exchange came as Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed children to the annual White House Halloween celebration, where they handed out sweets while an orchestra played seasonal music.
Questions about the cancelled appearances drew a sharp response from the president. Reuters journalist Jacob Bogage asked whether the decision had “something to do with you being sick of travelling”. “Oh, you’re sick to ask that question,” Trump replied. “You are sick. Who are you with?”
After Bogage identified his news organisation, Trump called him “a sick guy” and described Reuters as “terrible”. “Well, we just want to make sure you’re doing well,” the reporter responded. Trump then criticised the journalist’s appearance before defending his decision not to travel to Kansas.
“Can you imagine, look at this dope, look at this guy, he’s way out of shape,” he said. “I’m not going to go to Kansas because he’s doing very well.” The president maintained that the Republican candidate’s position meant his attendance was unnecessary. He had previously said he did not “feel like I have to go to Kansas”.
The cancellation of the Kansas and Iowa rallies attracted attention ahead of the US midterm elections, particularly because Trump has frequently emphasised the value of his appearances to Republican candidates. According to the report, he held 25 rallies over the previous month, including an event with singer Nicki Minaj, who has been jokingly described as a possible future White House press secretary.
Trump has acknowledged that the demanding schedule has affected his voice. Speaking to reporters on Monday, October 26, he said: “God didn’t make your vocal cords to do a rally every day.” Trump, 80, became the oldest person inaugurated as US president when he began his second term.
His health has remained a subject of public scrutiny, including attention to bruising on his hand and occasions when he appeared to nod off during engagements. However, the report did not establish a medical reason for the cancelled rallies, and Trump attributed the Kansas decision to the Republican candidate’s performance.
