US President Donald Trump on Friday reaffirmed his “perfect health” and strong cognitive abilities, following an interview that addressed questions about his fitness for office at age 79, making him the oldest person to hold the US presidency.
“The White House doctors have just reported that I am in ‘PERFECT HEALTH,’ and that I ‘ACED’ (answered 100% correctly) my Cognitive Examination for the third consecutive time—something no other President or previous Vice President has ever done,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
The remarks came a day after The Wall Street Journal published an interview in which Trump addressed concerns about his well-being. He attributed the large bruises on his right hand to aspirin and denied reports that he had fallen asleep during televised meetings. Trump also clarified that the scan he received in October was a CT scan, not an MRI as he had previously indicated.
Throughout his presidency, Trump has projected an image of vigor and vitality, reinforced by frequent interactions with the media, prolific social media activity, and viral AI memes portraying him as a superhero. Yet, his first year in office has prompted scrutiny over his health.
Observers have noted persistent bruising on his right hand, occasional swelling in his ankles, and moments during public meetings when he appears to struggle to keep his eyes open.
Responding to a question about appearing drowsy, Trump told the Journal:
“I’ll just close. It’s very relaxing to me. Sometimes they’ll take a picture of me blinking, and they’ll catch me with the blink.”
In his Truth Social post, Trump also called for all presidential and vice-presidential candidates to undergo a “strong, meaningful, and proven” cognitive exam, adding:
“Our great Country cannot be run by ‘STUPID’ or INCOMPETENT PEOPLE!”
The comments were widely interpreted as a swipe at former President Joe Biden, the oldest US president in history, who withdrew from the 2024 election after a debate performance that fueled public concern about his age and cognitive decline.
Trump’s latest statements underscore his continued effort to project strength and mental acuity, even as questions about his physical health persist.
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