By DAVID BAUDER
In a recent escalation of tensions between the press and the White House, former President Donald Trump condemned the New York Times for its coverage of his health, labeling their reports as “seditious” and even “treasonous.” The Times, standing firm, asserted that they would not be swayed by what they described as misleading rhetoric about the media’s function in a democracy.
Through his Truth Social platform, Trump denounced the Times and other media for publishing what he called “FAKE” news regarding his health, further intensifying the ongoing battle between him and the press.
“They are true Enemies of the People, and we should do something about it,” Trump declared in his statement.
While Trump did not specify which articles he was referring to, the Times has recently published several pieces scrutinizing his health. A November 25 article titled “Shorter Days, Signs of Fatigue: Trump Faces Realities of Aging in Office” evaluated his public appearances and travel patterns, suggesting a decrease in his activities.
On December 2, another report, accompanied by a video, noted that Trump seemed to struggle with staying awake during a Cabinet meeting.
Trump Disputes Allegations of Declining Stamina
In a December 8 opinion column, Frank Bruni reflected on Trump’s declining approval ratings and vitality, drawing parallels with former President Joe Biden’s experience before he dropped out of the 2024 race due to questions about his fitness.
Trump countered these narratives by underscoring his standing as the hardest-working president in history, boasting about his extensive accomplishments. He emphasized his willingness to undergo “long, thorough and very boring” medical examinations, including cognitive assessments he claimed to have “ACED.”
“The New York Times, and some others, like to pretend that I am ‘slowing up,’ and maybe not as sharp as I once was, or am in poor physical health, knowing that it is not true,” Trump stated.
The question of presidential health has historically been fraught with tension, as seen in past cases such as Grover Cleveland’s secret surgery and Franklin D. Roosevelt’s polio. Trump often criticized Biden’s cognitive abilities, which has now come full circle with similar scrutiny directed at him.
Legal Challenges Against Media Outlets
Trump has taken legal action against the Times, filing a $15 billion defamation lawsuit concerning coverage of his finances. This is part of a broader pattern of legal disputes involving media organizations like The Associated Press and CBS News.
Nicole Taylor, representing The New York Times, defended the newspaper’s health reports on Trump, citing thorough sourcing from individuals close to the president and medical professionals. “Americans deserve in-depth reporting and regular updates about the health of the leaders they elect,” she asserted. “Mr. Trump welcomed our reporting on the age and fitness of his predecessors; we’re applying the same journalistic scrutiny to his vitality.”
Taylor reaffirmed the Times’ commitment to journalism, stating, “we won’t be deterred by false and inflammatory language that distorts the role of a free press.”
David Bauder writes about the intersection of media and entertainment for the AP. Follow him at http://x.com/dbauder and https://bsky.app/profile/dbauder.bsky.social.
