Kumar Bahukhandi
US President Donald Trump gestures in this file photograph. Trump made personal remarks about a Reuters journalist’s appearance during an exchange over his health and cancelled campaign appearances on Thursday, October 29, 2026. (Photo: AP)
President says he feels “perfect” as Kansas and Iowa appearances are dropped ahead of the November 3 midterm elections
Key Highlights
• Donald Trump made personal remarks about a Reuters journalist’s appearance after questions about his health and campaign travel.
• The exchange followed the cancellation of planned weekend rallies in Kansas and Iowa.
• Trump said he felt “perfect” and maintained that a visit to Kansas was unnecessary because the Republican candidate was performing well.
• His allies announced telephone campaign events following 25 rallies across 19 states since October 1.
Washington: US President Donald Trump attacked a Reuters journalist’s appearance during an exchange on Thursday, October 29, after being questioned about his health and the cancellation of campaign appearances in Kansas and Iowa. Trump insisted that he felt well, then told the reporter to improve his physical condition and mocked his appearance.
The exchange began with questions about how the President was feeling after weeks of travel in support of Republican candidates. The reporter subsequently asked whether the decision to skip Kansas had anything to do with being tired of travelling.
Trump responded by criticising the question and turning his attention to the journalist’s appearance. He also criticised Reuters.
“I feel perfect,” Trump said, before telling the journalist: “You are disgusting. Put yourself in shape. You look like hell.”
The confrontation came as Trump adjusted his campaign schedule in the final days before the November 3 midterm elections, which will determine whether Republicans retain their narrow majorities in the Senate and House of Representatives.
His planned appearances in Salina, Kansas, on Saturday and Dubuque, Iowa, on Sunday were cancelled. Trump said he did not believe a further visit to Kansas was necessary because Republican Senator Roger Marshall was doing well.
Trump-aligned campaign funding group MAGA Inc said it would organise telephone rallies featuring the President in at least 19 states, including Kansas and Iowa. Other in-person appearances remained on his schedule, including a Florida event on Friday.
Since October 1, Trump has held 25 rallies in 19 states, frequently delivering lengthy speeches as Republicans seek to mobilise supporters before polling day.
The President has previously acknowledged the strain that repeated campaign speeches place on his voice. However, during Thursday’s exchange, he rejected suggestions that his altered travel plans reflected ill health. The cancellation of the two appearances does not itself establish a medical reason for the schedule changes.
