At a Glance
- President Donald Trump talked about his health in a sit-down with New York magazine.
- He referenced his father’s Alzheimer’s and denied any cognitive decline.
- The president highlighted a high-dose aspirin routine and a diet that includes fast food.
Why it matters: The remarks add to the public debate over the former president’s fitness to continue in public life.
President Donald Trump addressed his health in a wide-ranging interview with New York magazine’s Ben Terris. He began by warning that any negative story about his health would be met with a lawsuit. The conversation then turned to his father’s dementia, his own sleep habits, and his use of a high-dose aspirin.
Interview Highlights
During the interview, Trump described his father, real-estate developer Frederick “Fred” Trump, as having a problem that started when he was 86, 87 years old. He asked the magazine’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, what the condition was. Leavitt answered, “Alzheimer’s.” Trump then said, “Like an Alzheimer’s thing,” and added, “Well, I don’t have it… I don’t think about it at all.”
Trump claimed that genetics keep him healthy, citing his mother’s longevity and the lack of heart disease in his family. He compared himself to a friend whose parents died young of heart attacks, saying, “You’re f—ed,” and noted that the friend watches everything he eats.
He also mentioned that he has been taking 325 milligrams of aspirin daily for 30 years instead of the standard 81 milligrams. Trump said, “I want thin blood,” and that he has gained about 11 pounds since his physical exam in April.
Sleep and Work Habits
When asked about rumors of him nodding off in meetings, Trump said bluntly that he was not falling asleep. He explained that at a recent Cabinet meeting he was simply uninterested in hearing updates from his advisers, calling the session “boring as hell.” He added, “I’m hearing every word, and I can’t wait to get out.”
Trump also said that he does not need regular sleep, claiming, “I think five hours is plenty.” He explained that when he enjoys himself, he sleeps less. Leavitt agreed, noting that he works harder now than in his real-estate days.
Administration Response
White House communications director Steven Cheung responded to the interview by stating that Trump is in perfect physical and cognitive health. Cheung said, “As the headline states ‘The Superhuman President,’ President Trump is in perfect physical and cognitive health, as evidenced by his nonstop work on behalf of the American people.” He added that Trump has achieved in one year what most presidents achieve in a full term.
Key Points
- Father’s condition: Alzheimer’s at age 86, 87.
- Aspirin dose: 325 milligrams daily for 30 years.
- Weight gain: About 11 pounds since April.
- Sleep: Claims five hours is sufficient.
- Work ethic: Described as “harder now” than in earlier career.
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age of father’s onset | 86, 87 |
| Trump’s age | 79 |
| Aspirin dose | 325 milligrams |
| Years on aspirin | 30 years |
| Weight gain | 11 pounds |
| Sleep hours | 5 |
| Cabinet meeting length | 3 and a half hours |
The interview reflects Trump’s ongoing narrative of resilience and health. While his statements are framed as self-assured, they also feed the public’s curiosity about his capacity to perform presidential duties.
Takeaway: Trump’s comments in New York magazine emphasize his confidence in his health, his genetic advantages, and his unique medical regimen. They also highlight his preference for fast food and his belief that he can work effectively on a limited sleep schedule.
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Disclaimer: This article is based solely on the interview with New York magazine and statements made by the White House communications director. No independent medical assessment is included.
