President Donald Trump, during a press conference in North Carolina on Friday, made remarks about Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) following his absence from a scheduled trip to inspect hurricane and wildfire damage in North Carolina and California.

Trump referenced Schiff’s appearance on television the previous evening, suggesting the senator looked as though he had been “hit with a baseball bat” or “beat around.”

The comments arose in response to a reporter’s question asking whether Trump was disappointed that Schiff did not join him on the trip.

MORE NEWS: Rutting Bull Elk Charges Golf Cart Antlers First in Colorado, Guess Who Wins? [WATCH]

“I was told that Schiff was going to travel with us to California. I wasn’t thrilled, to be honest with you,” Trump stated.

He continued, “And I saw him last night on television. It looks like he got hit with a baseball bat or something. What happened to him? Something happened to him… it looked like he got hit. It looked like he got beaten around.”

The president further noted that he would ask White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt to look into what might have happened.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Do you think Jimmy Kimmel's apology about his comments about Charlie Kirk was sincere?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from LifeZette, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

Despite his remarks, Trump indicated he would have been willing to have Schiff aboard Air Force One for the trip if the senator had chosen to join.

Earlier that day, while leaving the White House for Joint Base Andrews, Trump addressed questions about whether he had extended an invitation to Schiff.

MORE NEWS: Trump to Award Charlie Kirk the Nation’s Highest Civilian Honor on His Birthday [WATCH]

“I don’t know. Is he going?” Trump asked reporters. “I don’t know, I mean I really don’t. ’Cause if he’s going to be there, it would be cheaper, but I didn’t invite him; somebody did.”

Senator Schiff, who led the investigation during Trump’s first impeachment trial, issued a statement on Thursday explaining his decision not to participate in the trip.

According to the statement, Schiff opted to remain in Washington, D.C., to attend Senate confirmation votes.

“Senator Schiff greatly appreciates the President’s visit to see the devastation of these wildfires firsthand and the invitation to accompany him, and regrets that he’s unable to join the President in Los Angeles due to scheduled nomination votes,” a spokesperson for Schiff said in a statement shared by Fox Los Angeles journalist Elex Michaelson.

Close

The statement also emphasized Schiff’s commitment to addressing the crisis in California.

“Senator Schiff is committed to working with the Trump Administration, state and local leaders, as well as his colleagues on both sides of the aisle, to ensure that California gets the aid and support it needs to rebuild and recover from these wildfires.”

Trump’s visit to North Carolina and California included stops to assess the damage caused by recent natural disasters.

While Schiff’s absence from the trip did not go unnoticed, the senator’s office underscored his focus on ensuring that recovery efforts for the affected regions receive bipartisan support and adequate resources.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.