Explosive medical documents have revealed a long-hidden chapter in Donald Trump's health history, uncovering a 1960s diagnosis that kept the former president out of military service during the Vietnam War.
The Draft-Dodging Diagnosis
Recently unearthed medical records show Trump was diagnosed with bone spurs in his heels during the late 1960s, a condition that qualified him for medical deferment from the military draft. This revelation comes from documents obtained by The New York Times that shed new light on the controversial health exemption.
The diagnosis emerged during a period when hundreds of thousands of young American men were being conscripted for service in Vietnam, with many paying the ultimate sacrifice while Trump received his medical exemption.
Conflicting Accounts and Questions
What makes this revelation particularly striking are the contradictory statements Trump has made about his condition over the years. In various interviews, the former president has given conflicting accounts, at times claiming he couldn't recall which foot was affected, and other times suggesting the condition was temporary or minor.
Medical experts note that bone spurs typically represent a chronic condition, raising questions about the timing and nature of the diagnosis that proved so conveniently timed for avoiding military service.
Historical Context and Controversy
The Vietnam War draft remains one of the most contentious periods in American history, with the bone spur exemption becoming symbolic of privilege and unequal sacrifice. Trump's case stands out because of the extraordinary impact this decades-old diagnosis continues to have on public perception of his character and transparency.
As these records come to light, they reignite debates about medical deferments during the Vietnam era and raise fresh questions about what other health information might remain hidden in the medical histories of public figures.
The timing of this revelation is particularly significant as Trump remains a dominant force in American politics, with voters increasingly concerned about the health and transparency of presidential candidates.
