Donald Trump has unleashed a vehement critique of The New York Times following a report suggesting that he is exhibiting signs of aging and has markedly decreased his workload during his current term as president. In an explosive post on Truth Social, Trump targeted the physical appearance of journalist Katie Rogers, who co-authored the article, asserting the piece is yet another example of what he views as a biased portrayal of his presidency.
The report highlighted a significant reduction in Trump’s public appearances, indicating that he has scaled back by approximately 39 percent compared to his first term, from 1,688 appearances to just 1,029 this year. The article suggested that Trump starts his workday later and works shorter hours, with scheduled events shifting from just after 10:30 a.m. in 2017 to around 12:08 p.m. currently.
In his rebuttal, Trump insisted he shows no signs of declining energy, citing a recent physical exam and cognitive test that he passed with flying colors. He expressed indignation about what he termed a “hit piece” and aggressively defended his performance and poll numbers, attributing any criticism to a smear campaign by what he labels “Radical Left Lunatics.”
Critics have noted that Trump’s physical state has frequently come under scrutiny. For instance, he has been seen with visible bruises and does not shy away from addressing rumors about his health. Questions were raised earlier this month when the president appeared to nod off during a press conference. Trump’s health has become a central topic of discussion, particularly as he approaches the age of 80, making him potentially the oldest incumbent president in U.S. history.
Despite the controversies surrounding his health, the White House maintains that there is transparency about the president’s condition. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked that the administration is being honest about Trump’s health, contrasting this approach with what she claims was a lack of transparency under the previous administration regarding President Joe Biden’s cognitive faculties.
Political experts suggest that the dynamics surrounding Trump’s health could mirror those faced by his predecessor, hinting at a tendency among aides to downplay or obscure the realities of aging leadership in high-pressure positions. As speculation continues, Trump’s supporters remain robustly loyal, resonating with his confident assertions about his capabilities and ongoing commitment to his presidential duties.