Jon Husted Reacts to Trump’s Comments on His Muscular Physique: ‘I Gotta Keep Working Out’

Jon Husted says Donald Trump’s unsolicited remarks about his physique gave him an unexpected incentive to keep up his gym routine. The Ohio senator discussed the moment in an October 24 interview with Fox News, after Trump’s comments at political rallies drew widespread attention. Trump first brought up Husted’s build during a rally in Youngstown, Ohio, telling the crowd he had looked at the senator’s backside and legs and describing him as “a pile of muscle.” He returned to the subject during an appearance in Greenville, North Carolina, saying he had found himself studying Husted’s body. Trump added that such attention was not normally his thing, while jokingly insisting there was nothing wrong with it. Asked by Fox News’ Aishah Hasnie how he took the remarks, Husted said he had spoken to his wife the following morning. He recalled telling her that he might need to get to the gym to maintain his reputation, adding: “I gotta keep working out.” His response treated the president’s comments as a joke rather than describing them as a source of offense. Husted also said that exercise and athletic pursuits have long been part of his family’s life. He recalled playing college football and noted that his wife runs marathons. The senator described them as a family trying to stay healthy and in shape. Hasnie observed that the exchange had earned Husted plenty of headlines, including attention he might not have expected. The comments were notable in part because Trump had revisited his assessment of the senator’s appearance at more than one public event. Husted’s account, however, kept the focus on fitness, family and his lighthearted decision to take the president’s praise as a reason to keep training.