Trump Fires Back at Health Critics
US President Donald Trump has launched a strong counterattack against increasing scrutiny of his physical and mental condition, firmly stating that he remains in excellent health despite media reports suggesting otherwise. The 79-year-old commander-in-chief, now the oldest president in American history, expressed frustration at what he called "purposely negative" coverage of his wellbeing.
The Trigger: NYT Report on Presidential Aging
The presidential outburst came in response to a New York Times story titled "Signs of Fatigue: Trump Faces Realities of Aging in Office." This article was part of several recent press pieces examining Trump's health, focusing on unexplained medical procedures including an MRI scan and visible signs of exhaustion during public appearances.
Trump took to social media to defend his condition, writing: "There will be a day when I run low on Energy, it happens to everyone, but with a PERFECT PHYSICAL EXAM AND A COMPREHENSIVE COGNITIVE TEST ('That was aced') JUST RECENTLY TAKEN, it certainly is not now!"
Personal Attacks and Media Criticism
The US President didn't hold back in his criticism, targeting "creeps" and "radical left lunatics" for the negative coverage. He specifically singled out NYT reporter Katie Rogers, whom he described as "assigned to write only bad things about me" and called her a "third rate reporter who is ugly, both inside and out."
Recent months have seen increased attention from predominantly liberal US media outlets on Trump's health indicators. Journalists and analysts have pointed to various visual cues including swollen ankles, bruised hands, unsteady walking patterns, and facial drooping as potential signs of health decline.
Social Media Amplifies Health Concerns
Social media platforms have become battlegrounds for analyzing the president's health. A particularly viral moment occurred during a November 6 Oval Office briefing on drug pricing, where photographs captured Trump with his eyes closed for extended periods, sparking speculation about sleep apnea and extreme fatigue.
Additional concerns emerged when cameras detected periodic purple discoloration on his right palm, leading to theories about possible transfusion sites or even neurological events like transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes). The White House has officially attributed the bruising to excessive handshakes.
The undisclosed MRI scan from October raised further questions when Trump himself accidentally revealed the procedure. This advanced imaging test wasn't detailed in his physician's official memo, prompting concerns about why such monitoring was necessary just six months after his previous checkup.
Official Medical Conditions and Treatment
White House physicians have officially diagnosed Trump with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a circulatory disorder affecting blood flow in leg veins. This condition is common among older adults with sedentary lifestyles or obesity and causes leg swelling, pain, and skin discoloration - symptoms that align with social media observations.
According to his physician, Trump's CVI is managed through compression therapy and leg elevation. Beyond this condition, his medical history shows persistent cardiovascular risks. His April 2025 physical examination revealed elevated cholesterol levels with total cholesterol at 223 mg/dL and LDL at 143 mg/dL.
Trump's body mass index stands at 30.4, classifying him as nearly obese. Despite this, he recently criticized Illinois Governor JB Pritzker about weight issues. The president's current medications include rosuvastatin for cholesterol management, aspirin for cardiac protection, and additional prescriptions for acid reflux and sleep problems - a regimen his supporters argue is typical for someone his age.
Trump continues to dismiss health concerns, emphasizing his demanding work schedule. "To do this requires a lot of Work and Energy, and I have never worked so hard in my life," he asserted while listing his administration's achievements. Despite the ongoing health debates, the president maintains a vigorous public engagement calendar that often surpasses the activity levels of many 79-year-olds.
