Donald Trump bared his teeth at a reporter before calling him a "sick man" during a tense Oval Office press conference on Tuesday. The US President repeatedly snapped at The Independent's White House correspondent, Andrew Feinberg, as journalists shouted questions to get his attention.
Mr Trump pointed his finger towards the crowd and snapped: "Hey, I'm not playing. I don't know who the hell you are, but you better be careful."
Reporter Shut Down Over Golf Course Question
The President continued the conference and invited a question from another reporter, before Mr Feinberg, who appeared to be unknown to Trump, piped up again during the next pause. The journalist began, "You own a lot of golf courses", before being shut down almost immediately.
Appearing visibly angry, Mr Trump ordered quiet in the room, saying: "Wait, wait, wait, wait. Quiet, quiet," snarling and baring his teeth on the last word. Mr Feinberg was not permitted to finish his question.
President Questions Reporter's Health
Mr Trump asked: "What's wrong with you? Are you a sick person?" to which Mr Feinberg responded: "Not that I know of, Sir."
The gaggle of journalists began shouting once again before the 80-year-old redirected his anger back to the man, saying: "I actually think there's something wrong with you." He welcomed questions from other members of the press, saying, "Go ahead".
Ukraine Comments and Public Reaction
Other journalists permitted to speak asked about the war in Ukraine. Mr Trump said the US had "helped Ukraine a lot," adding: "Now time for them to end this war and stop all those young people being killed."
A number of viewers who saw the clip online have questioned the President's wellbeing. Commenters said he was exhibiting signs of mental decline.
"If Biden wasn't fit to campaign, Trump's cognitive decline should disqualify him from the presidency," radio host and political commentator Mark Bland wrote in response. "Trump is a sick man. Literally something is broken," added Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican congressman from Illinois.
The White House has repeatedly dismissed any claims about ill-health, countering that Mr Trump is the "sharpest" president in American history.
