In a cheeky nod to President Joe Biden’s 81st birthday, former President Donald Trump, at 77, shared an effusive letter from his doctor, touting his “excellent” health and alluding to a weight loss journey. Penned by Dr. Bruce Aronwald from Morristown, New Jersey, the letter asserts Trump’s physical and cognitive assessments are both within normal range and notably impressive. Dr. Aronwald’s correspondence notes Trump’s weight reduction, attributed to dietary improvements and regular physical activity, all while managing a demanding itinerary.
The letter outlines that Trump has been under Dr. Aronwald’s attentive care through several thorough evaluations since his presidential term concluded, with the most recent on September 13. In the weeks before this latest health assessment, reports listed Trump’s weight at 215 pounds at a booking related to accusations of election meddling in Georgia. This figure, met with public skepticism, suggests a significant decrease from his last recorded weight during his presidency.
Critiques of Trump’s mental acuity have surfaced from both Biden and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, highlighting occasional slip-ups during speeches. DeSantis, on a news segment, suggested the presidency may not suit those nearing 80, a barb clearly aimed at both Biden and Trump, underscoring the invincibility of time. DeSantis emphasized his own youthful vigor and readiness to lead across two terms.
Trump has a storied history of broadcasting his physical fitness. In 2016, his doctor at the time, Harold Bornstein, declared him potentially “the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency” in a letter later revealed to have been dictated by Trump himself. Bornstein’s subsequent disclosure of a forced removal of Trump’s medical records from his office led to their professional parting.
If Trump were to win back the presidency and serve a full term, he would surpass Biden as the oldest president in U.S. history. Conversely, a re-elected Biden serving a second term would be 86 years at its end. Biden’s own health has been declared robust by his physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, in a report earlier this year, identifying him as a “healthy, vigorous, 80-year-old male,” despite some manageable health issues.