Donald Trump has for many years portrayed himself as an unusually strong and healthy president.
Several doctors and White House staff members have also offered sweeping statements about his physical and mental condition, even as many have questioned his health at an advanced age.
The healthiest president ever
In 2015, physician Harold Bornstein released a letter describing Trump as having no serious health problems and as the healthiest person who could ever be elected to the presidency.
Dictated by Trump
Bornstein later admitted that it was in fact Trump himself who had formulated the letter, and that the doctor merely wrote it down very quickly while a limousine was waiting outside.
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Bornstein nevertheless stood by his assessment
Even though the letter was not written by him, Bornstein said he still stood by the overall conclusion about Trump’s health.
Excellent condition
During Trump’s first term as president, physician Ronny Jackson said that Trump had plenty of energy, stamina, and no problems with his cognitive functioning.
Trump completed a cognitive test
Jackson also said that Trump underwent a cognitive examination, which he passed, and this was highlighted as a sign of mental strength.
Skepticism about Trump’s weight and BMI
Doubts emerged online when Trump’s official measurements placed him just below the obesity threshold, prompting many to question the credibility of the report.
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Mental fitness
Ronny Jackson’s press briefing took place at the same time as the release of the book Fire and Fury, which fueled speculation about Trump’s mental fitness as a leader.
Superhuman
Deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller claimed that Trump had better memory, more energy, and greater stamina than ordinary people.
He said that Trump should be described as a superhuman.
Threatened legal action over critical stories
Trump reacted aggressively to negative coverage of his health and said he would sue New York Magazine if it wrote unfavorably about his condition.
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Healthier than Obama
Physician assistant James Jones said in an interview that Trump, in his view, was in better health than Barack Obama, even though Obama is otherwise known for his healthy lifestyle.
Fourteen years younger
Jones explained that Trump’s ECG showed a condition corresponding to that of a person around 65 years old and highlighted his stamina compared with the fatigue of his staff.
Trump called himself a physical specimen
Trump publicly repeated that Ronny Jackson had described him as the best physical example among Presidents Obama, Bush, and himself.
Trump said he felt like he did 25 years ago
During a debate in 2024, Trump said he believed he was in just as good shape as he had been several decades earlier, once again highlighting his cognitive tests.
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Closed eyes
When a video showed him apparently dozing off during a cabinet meeting, Trump said he was merely closing his eyes because the meetings were extremely boring.
Concerns about venous insufficiency were mentioned
Despite the explanation, speculation continued about his ability to manage chronic venous insufficiency while continuing to lead the country.
Trump takes a high daily dose of aspirin
Trump told The Wall Street Journal that he takes 325 mg of aspirin daily, which is significantly higher than the standard dose, because he wants to avoid thick blood.
Hearing loss and dietary habits
According to The Wall Street Journal, people often have to speak loudly because Trump has difficulty hearing, and he rarely exercises while consuming a diet high in salt and fatty foods such as burgers and French fries.
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Assessment from Trump’s doctor
Navy captain and Trump’s physician Sean Barbabella nevertheless stated that Trump remains in unusually good health and fully capable of carrying out his duties as president.
Sources: The Week, and Wall Street Journal.