Trump Addresses Health Concerns in Candid Magazine Interview
President Donald Trump has publicly dismissed fears about Alzheimer's disease in a new interview with New York Magazine, which focused extensively on the 79-year-old leader's physical and mental fitness. During the conversation, Trump momentarily forgot the name of the disease, prompting an intervention from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Forgetting the Name of Alzheimer's
In the Oval Office discussion with journalist Ben Terris, Trump reflected on his father, real estate developer Fred Trump, who passed away in 1999 at age 93 after suffering from dementia. "He had one problem," Trump remarked. "At a certain age, about 86, 87, he started getting, what do they call it?" After looking to Leavitt for assistance, she supplied the term "Alzheimer's." Trump then clarified, stating his father had "like an Alzheimer's thing," but insisted, "Well, I don't have it." When questioned if he ever thinks about the condition, Trump responded, "No, I don't think about it at all. You know why? Because whatever it is, my attitude is whatever." He further boasted about feeling "the same as I did 40 years ago."
Growing Scrutiny Over Age and Health
Similar to President Joe Biden, who became the oldest U.S. president upon election, Trump faces persistent questions about his health as he seeks re-election, potentially making him the oldest president if successful. Trump expressed irritation at the topic, threatening legal action against New York Magazine if they published a negative story about his health. "I hate to waste a lot of time on this, but if you're going to write a bad story about my health, I'm going to sue the a** off of New York Magazine," he declared. "There will be a time when you can write that story, maybe in two years, three years, five years—five years, no one is going to care, I guess." Trump is set to leave office in three years.
Recent Health Incidents and Explanations
Recent events have heightened attention on Trump's well-being. During his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, a bruise appeared on his left hand. The White House attributed this to him hitting his hand on a table at the Board of Peace event, noting he bruises easily due to daily Aspirin use. In July, the administration also revealed Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency to explain his swollen ankles. Additionally, his mental fitness was scrutinized after he appeared to threaten invading Greenland following a snub from the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which awarded the peace prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado instead.
Aides and Family Weigh In on Trump's Condition
Most White House officials, including doctors, asserted to New York Magazine that Trump is in excellent health. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller praised the president, suggesting the headline should be "The Superhuman President," citing his hard work, memory, stamina, and energy. However, one anonymous senior staff member mentioned Trump might be losing his hearing, unbeknownst to him. His niece, Mary Trump, a vocal critic, suggested he could show signs of dementia, comparing him to her grandfather who had a "deer-in-headlights" look and noting her uncle sometimes seems disoriented.
Sleep Habits and Vigorous Schedule
Trump's sleep patterns and demanding itinerary were also discussed. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described pretending to be a staffer on Air Force One to nap, cocooning in a blanket to avoid being seen asleep by the president, who often prowls the halls. Rubio explained, "I want him to think it's a staffer who fell asleep. I don't want him to see his secretary of State sleeping on a couch and think, 'Oh, this guy is weak.'" When Trump appeared to doze off at a Cabinet meeting, aides defended him, with Rubio claiming it was a "listening mechanism" and staff secretary Will Scharf noting it was a thinking pose, not sleep.
Medical Assessments and Imaging Controversy
Two members of Trump's medical team, physician's assistant Colonel Jason Jones and lead physician Captain Sean Barbabella, participated in the interview. Jones stated Trump's EKG indicates he is "14 years younger" than his age, with the stamina to match. Both addressed concerns over advanced imaging ordered for Trump's physical, originally described as an MRI. Trump expressed frustration, calling it "the worst f***ing thing I ever did," but Barbabella and Jones emphasized the results were "perfect" and "excellent," showing no blood vessel narrowing or heart abnormalities. Jones noted the imaging was routine and aimed to highlight the positive outcomes.
Political Comparisons and Final Remarks
In a revealing moment, Leavitt asked Jones if he had previously worked for Democratic President Barack Obama, to which he confirmed. When Terris inquired who was healthier—79-year-old Trump or 55-year-old Obama at the time—Jones answered "President Trump." Trump promptly instructed the writer, "Write that." The interview underscores the ongoing debate over Trump's health as he navigates his presidency and re-election campaign, with supporters touting his vitality and critics raising questions about potential cognitive decline.
