U.S. President Donald Trump, currently the oldest person elected to the office at 79, has launched an extensive defense of his physical and cognitive health, forcefully
rebutting reports that suggest he is slowing down.
In a lengthy post on Truth Social on Wednesday, the President declared himself to be in “perfect” health. He accused The New York Times of spreading “fake” reports regarding his age and stamina, specifically calling the newspaper an “Enemy of the People” and suggesting it should “cease publication.”
Claims of Unmatched Work Ethic and Achievements
Trump asserted that no previous President has matched his diligence, stating, “There has never been a President that has worked as hard as me,” with hours that were “the longest” and results “among the best.”
To prove his productivity, the President highlighted numerous achievements during his time in office, including:
- Ending “Eight Wars.”
- Creating the “Greatest Economy in the History of our Country.”
- Rebuilding the military.
- Enacting the “Largest Tax Cuts and Regulation Cuts, EVER.”
- Closing the southern border.
- Restoring global respect for the United States.
Assertions of Medical and Cognitive Fitness
Trump stressed his commitment to transparency regarding his health. He stated that he regularly undergoes “long, thorough, and very boring Medical Examinations” at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre and claims doctors have given him “PERFECT Marks.”
Furthermore, the President claimed to have successfully completed three cognitive tests, including one recently, and “aced” all of them “in front of large numbers of doctors and experts.” He concluded, “I will know when I am slowing up, but it’s not now,” noting that previous presidents declined to take such tests.
Background on Scrutiny and NYT Report
Trump’s strong rebuttal follows a November 25 New York Times article that questioned his stamina. The report noted a narrowed public schedule, with most appearances occurring between noon and 5 p.m., decreased domestic travel, and an incident on November 6 where he allegedly appeared to doze during an Oval Office meeting focused on weight-loss drugs.
The President has faced prior scrutiny over his health. Observers have noted visible signs like a bruise on his right hand and swollen ankles, though aides attribute these to aspirin use and frequent handshakes. Trump has also previously shared limited details about medical procedures, including a recent MRI at Walter Reed in early October, the results of which he insisted were “as good as they’ve ever seen.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the President’s health, stating, “President Trump and his entire team have been open and transparent about the president’s health, which remains exceptional,” in contrast to the current administration.
The President’s forceful defense of his physical and cognitive fitness indicates he plans to make his health and record central themes as he approaches the 2026 midterms and future domestic and international engagements.
