Michael T. van der Veen, the lawyer who represented Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial, has shared his assessment of the president's physical and cognitive health. Trump, at 80 years old, is the second-oldest acting US President in history. For months, critics and experts have raised concerns about his well-being, citing incoherent speeches, apparent struggles walking, and mysterious bruising on his hands. The White House has denied any issues, and the president's annual medical exam earlier this year claimed he was in "excellent health." Capt Sean Barbabella, Trump's physician, said he had "strong cardiac, pulmonary, neurological and overall physical function."
Lawyer's Verdict on Trump's Health
In an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk, Van der Veen revealed his interactions with the president that led him to his own verdict. He said: "No, not that I'm aware of. He's a large, physically healthy man. He's robust, yet his level of energy is always, in my experience, very strong."
He recalled a meeting at Mar-a-Lago that showed Trump's cognitive ability. Van der Veen continued: "I was down in Mar-a-Lago with him, and we were going through the dining room, and he stopped at every table and said, 'Hey, Joe, you tell your brother membership's going up in January. Make sure he joins'. He's constantly selling; he's constantly engaging with people. And I have not witnessed any cognitive or physical decline."
First Meeting on the Golf Course
Michael's first encounter with Trump was on a golf course, far removed from a courtroom. He shared his first impressions: "My first meeting with President Trump actually was on a golf course, and I spent 18 holes with him. I really got to see him outside of an Oval Office kind of setting and he's an enormously impressive guy. He is physically large, but he's also outgoing, he's boisterous, he's a salesman. He is fluid on many topics and really an enjoyable and entertaining guy to spend time with."
Medical Report Details
Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency after his medical exam earlier this year. The report stated the bruising on his hands was "minor soft tissue irritation related to frequent handshaking" and a "common and benign effect of aspirin therapy." Trump was also reported to have strong cardiac, pulmonary, and neurological health. Barbabella wrote: "His demanding daily schedule, including multiple high-level meetings, public engagements, and regular physical activity, continues to support his overall well-being."
