US President Donald Trump has cancelled two of his final in-person campaign rallies ahead of next week’s midterm elections, prompting questions about his demanding travel schedule as Republicans prepare for closely contested races.
The 80-year-old president reacted angrily on Thursday when a reporter asked whether he was “sick of travelling” following his return to Washington from a campaign visit to South Carolina.
“You’re sick to ask that question. You are sick,” Trump responded.
“I feel perfect. You are disgusting. Put yourself in shape, you look like hell,” he added.
Trump also confirmed that he would not travel to Kansas, where Republican Senator Roger Marshall faces an unexpectedly competitive challenge from Democrat Adam Hamilton.
“I don’t feel like I have to go to Kansas,” Trump told reporters, expressing confidence in Marshall’s campaign.
“He is doing very well,” the president said. “We are going to have a strong Tuesday night.”
Later on Thursday, the Republican National Committee announced that a planned rally in Iowa would also be cancelled. The state is home to several closely contested congressional races.
The cancelled events had been scheduled for Saturday in Salina, Kansas, and Sunday in Dubuque, Iowa.
Instead, Trump will participate in a “large number” of virtual telephone rallies, known as telerallies, across several states, according to the Republican National Committee.
The changes come during the final days of campaigning before the midterm elections, with Republicans seeking to mobilise voters in competitive congressional and Senate races.