Trump Turns 80: Age Is the Least of Our Worries
Donald Trump hits the milestone of 80 years old, but it’s not just his age that raises eyebrows; it’s the alarming signs of decline. Bruising on his hands, swollen ankles, and moments of dozing off during critical meetings paint a troubling picture.
Medical professionals are more concerned about his erratic behavior than his age. “It’s not that he’s 80, but let’s not ignore the red flags on the field,” warns Dr. Henry Abraham, a Psychiatry Emeritus at Tufts University School of Medicine. He emphasizes that cognitive decline is a real threat when someone with such symptoms has access to nuclear codes.
Abraham highlights a pattern of poor impulse control, rage, and aggression toward perceived enemies. “Put all that together and give him the nuclear football, and you can see why we're worried,” he states bluntly.
The White House dismissed these concerns outright. “If it quacks like a duck, it may actually just be a Democrat hack doctor,” said White House spokesman Davis Ingle, defending Trump’s mental acuity and energy levels.
Speculation about Trump’s health has intensified due to visible symptoms like bruised hands and a rash on his neck. In March, he was seen with a bright red rash extending from his ear to the back of his head. The president’s physician claimed it was a common skin treatment prescribed by the White House Doctor.
Last year, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where leg veins fail to return blood to the heart, causing swelling. She attributed his hand bruising to frequent handshakes and aspirin use for cardiovascular prevention.
Dr. Rosanne Leipzig, a Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine professor, downplays these symptoms as typical for older individuals. “He’s taking too much aspirin, and older people's skin gets thinner,” she explains regarding the bruises.
Trump underwent an extensive medical exam last month, screened by 22 specialists—nearly double the number from previous check-ups. In contrast, Biden was evaluated by 20 doctors, while George W. Bush had only 12 during his first presidential check-up.
After the May health exam, Barbabella reported Trump “remains in excellent health,” showcasing strong cardiac and neurological function.
Jeffrey Kuhlman, former White House physician to Barack Obama, notes there’s no constitutional requirement for presidents to disclose medical information. “Trump is protected by HIPAA and can choose what to disclose,” he states.
Critics argue that the White House memo detailing Trump’s medical results lacks essential information. Leipzig asserts that the evaluation is superficial regarding his competency to serve in office.
“Is he likely to live out his term? Or will he face a debilitating medical issue?” Leipzig questions, emphasizing her lack of direct examination of the president.
Abraham and Leipzig were part of a group of 36 medical professionals who recently warned that Trump poses an increasing danger to the public.
Abraham expresses skepticism about Trump’s “perfect scores” on cognitive assessments. He questions the validity of scoring 30 out of 30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, suggesting more thorough evaluations are necessary.
“Who gets three or four assessments in 18 months?” Abraham asks. “We should follow it up with much more careful neuropsychological evaluations.”
Leipzig agrees that deeper tests are needed to assess cognitive health accurately. She points out that doctors should observe a patient’s behavior and mood during evaluations.
Abraham notes a stark contrast between Trump’s past and present language skills. “Looking back at footage from 30 years ago, he used sophisticated language; none of that is present now,” he remarks.
Another concern for Abraham is potential confabulation—creating false memories—evident in Trump’s lengthy speeches. “Is he delusional or confabulating?” he questions, highlighting this as a significant red flag.
While acknowledging the physical stresses of office, Abraham does not support an age limit for presidents but advocates for transparent assessments of physical and cognitive health before taking office.
Leipzig explains that aging affects physiological reserves—the ability to maintain function despite age or illness. “As you get older, you use more of that reserve for daily functions,” she states.
Lately, videos show Trump appearing to doze off during events. At a recent NBA championship game, cameras caught him seemingly nodding off in a luxury suite.
Trump claims he thrives on little sleep but often posts late-night rants on Truth Social. Leipzig notes that while sleep patterns change with age, Trump's habits are atypical for someone his age.
The recommended sleep duration for men in their 80s is 7 to 8 hours per night; however, presidents typically average only four to five hours. Abraham acknowledges this reality but questions whether Trump suffers from sleep disorders like sleep apnea.
Abraham expresses concern over Trump’s self-absorption and grandiose self-image. “That describes the president to a tee,” he states.
When asked what he wanted for his 80th birthday, Trump paused before responding, “Peace for the world, OK? Peace for the world,” despite threatening to “bomb the s***” out of Iran on the same day.
