‘You look like hell’: Trump attacks reporter’s weight after questions about his own health
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump attacked a Reuters reporter's physical appearance on Thursday, October 29, after being questioned about his decision to cancel a planned campaign rally in Kansas.
During an exchange outside Air Force One, Trump called journalist Jacob Bogage "sick" before mocking his weight and telling him to get in shape. The confrontation followed the reporter's question about whether Trump's decision to skip the event was connected to his health or the demands of his campaign schedule.
Trump mocks Reuters reporter after questions about his health
The exchange began when Bogage asked Trump whether his decision not to travel to Kansas was connected to being tired of campaigning. "You not going to Kansas have something to do with you being sick of traveling?" Bogage asked.
"Oh, you're sick to ask that question," Trump responded. "You are sick. Who are you with?" After the reporter identified himself as working for Reuters, Trump criticised the news agency and continued directing remarks at him. "You are a sick guy," Trump said. "Reuters is terrible, by the way.”
President Trump FIRES BACK at a reporter who questioned his health: “You’re disgusting. Put yourself in shape. You look like hell!” Boom. Roasted. https://t.co/nGqTa9FY9A
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 29, 2026
Bogage attempted to clarify that his question was about the president's well-being, replying that "well, we just want to make sure you're doing well."
Trump then shifted the exchange towards the reporter's appearance, calling him out of shape. "Can you imagine, look at this dope, look at this guy, he's way out of shape," Trump said, before explaining why he had decided against travelling to Kansas.
The president said that he did not believe an in-person appearance was necessary because Republican Senator Roger Marshall was performing well in the state. Trump had been scheduled to campaign for Marshall just days ahead of the midterm elections.
Trump continued defending his decision, saying that he would instead travel to Florida and could attend other events if necessary. Addressing Bogage directly, Trump added that "you've been following me for two weeks; I feel perfect. You are disgusting. Put yourself in shape, you look like hell.”
.@POTUS absolutely DESTROYS Fake News @jacobbogage: "You are a SICK guy! Reuters is terrible, by the way. Look at this guy — he's way out of shape... You are disgusting. Put yourself in shape. You look like hell." 🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/ln0k71AEWt
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 29, 2026
Trump's Rapid Response team also subsequently celebrated the exchange on social media, claiming that the president had "absolutely DESTROYS Fake News" journalist.
Trump cancels Kansas and Iowa campaign rallies ahead of midterms
The confrontation happened after Trump cancelled two planned campaign appearances in Kansas and Iowa ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
He had been scheduled to address supporters in Salina, Kansas, on Saturday, October 31, and Dubuque, Iowa, on Sunday, November 1. The Republican National Committee, however, later confirmed that the Iowa event had also been called off.
Trump said he did not believe it was necessary to travel to Kansas because Marshall was doing well in the state. Instead, MAGA Inc, the president's campaign funding group, announced plans for virtual campaign appearances, known as tele-rallies, in at least 19 states, including Kansas and Iowa.
Trump remained scheduled to travel to Florida on Friday, October 30, for another campaign event.
Trump had held 25 rallies across 19 states since October 1, travelling extensively to support Republican candidates before the midterm elections.
