Trump Jokes About Steve Scalise Getting Shot, Gets Criticized

President Donald Trump joked Wednesday that Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA 1st District) being shot and critically wounded by a gunman earlier this year was a "hell of a way to lose weight." His remark drew flak on social media with many saying it was distasteful.

During a celebration at the White House of the passage of the tax bill, Trump said Scalise had a "rougher year than most of us," adding, "But -- that's a hell of a way to lose weight, Steve." "Not a good way," Trump added. "We love you, Steve. Great job."

Twitter users mocked Trump for saying getting shot was a good way to lose weight.

Despite the criticism, Paul Kane, a reporter with the Washington Post, said it was apparently a joke Scalise had also made — but away from the public eye, mostly to Trump. The latter had chosen to blurt it out in an “awkward fashion,” Kane said.

Trump supporters also said the remark was funny and was made in good humor.

Scalise was among the four people shot during a practice session of the Republican congressional baseball team in June. He suffered injuries to his internal organs and remained critical for a period of time before recovering and joining Congress in September. In the aftermath of the shooting, Trump sent his thoughts and prayers to Scalise, and wished him a speedy recovery.

"Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, a true friend and patriot, was badly injured but will fully recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with him," Trump had tweeted.

He delivered a televised statement on the shooting from the White House in which he called Scalise a "patriot and a fighter."

"Congressman Scalise is a friend, and a very good friend," Trump said. "He will recover from this assault. And, Steve, I want you to know that you have the prayers not only of the entire city behind you, but of an entire nation and, frankly, the entire world. America is praying for you and America is praying for all of the victims of this terrible shooting."

After resuming his routine, Scalise also thanked everyone in an emotional speech, saying: "You have no idea how great this feels to be back here in the people's House," Scalise told the chamber. The last three-and-a-half months have been a pretty challenging time for me and my family. But if you look at the outpouring of love, of warmth, of prayer — my gosh! — we've been overwhelmed. And it's given us the strength to get through all this."

Trump also condemned the attack and informed the gunman died after a shootout with the police. He was identified as James T Hodgkinson, 66, from Belleville, Ill., a suburb of St. Louis, by law enforcement authorities.

Along with Scalise, two members of his Capitol Police security detail were injured as they exchanged fire with the gunman. One was wounded by gunfire, and the other suffered minor injuries.