Donald Trump criticised Reuters reporter Jacob Bogage during a press exchange, mocking his appearance after being asked why he would not travel to Kansas for a Republican campaign event.
The president was speaking to reporters after landing at Joint Base Andrew in Maryland on Thursday, following a campaign rally in South Carolina for Republican senatorial candidate Darline Graham.
Bogage asked why Mr Trump had cancelled plans to campaign for Republican Senator Roger Marshall in Kansas on Saturday, including whether he was “sick of traveling”.
Mr Trump responded by attacking the reporter’s weight and appearance, describing him as “disgusting” and telling him to get in shape because he looked like “hell”.
Mr Marshall is in a tight race with Democrat Adam Hamilton. Mr Trump said the Republican was “doing very well”, meaning he did not need to be physically present in Kansas.
Instead, the president said he would hold a tele-rally by phone or livestream, while retaining plans to fly to Florida on Friday.
During the exchange, Mr Trump also said he was in great shape himself.
