US President Donald Trump has cancelled his rallies scheduled for this weekend ahead of the high-stakes midterm elections on Tuesday. He also attacked a reporter's appearance after being asked why he will not attend a rally in Kansas in person.
Mr Trump will no longer travel to Kansas for a rally on Saturday and will instead hold a series of television rallies that day in the lead up to the midterm elections next week. Mr Trump has been on a campaign to boost support for Republican candidates ahead of November 3.
Reporter Question Sparks Outburst
Asked by a reporter if the reason he will not attend the Kansas rally is health-related, Mr Trump lashed out, attacking the reporter's appearance in front of a crowded press pack.
Mr Trump says: "Look at this guy, he's way out of shape."
He continued: "No, I'm not going to Kansas 'cause he's doing very well. I'm gonna do a tele rally," he said, without citing evidence to support polls in favour of GOP Senator Roger Marshall. Republicans are worried about losing the seat, as Mr Marshall trails behind his Democratic challenger and is trailing in some polls.
Health Concerns in the Spotlight
"Tomorrow I'm going to Florida. After doing 28 [rallies], he says, 'What's the reason for this?'" Mr Trump said.
"You know what the reason is? I don't feel like I have to go to Kansas."
Mr Trump ended: "You've been following me for two weeks. I feel perfect. You are disgusting. Put yourself in shape. You look like hell."
Mr Trump's health has been thrust into the spotlight following revelations about a "three-minute" protocol in which the US president's principal doctor, Dr Sean Barbarella, always remains within a three-minute radius of him.
The Wall Street Journal has reported that White House staff members exit the room during conversations between Mr Trump and Dr Barbarella, with the physician's approach characterised as "low key and direct".
The US leader has shown both physical and mental symptoms such as swelling of his ankles, bruising on his hands and an apparent forgetfulness.
