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Trump health doubts raised by ex-Cheney doctor
Dr Jonathan Reiner, the cardiologist who treated former US vice-president Dick Cheney for 27 years, has questioned White House claims that President Donald Trump is in excellent health. In a New York…
The Story in Brief
Dr Jonathan Reiner, the cardiologist who treated former US vice-president Dick Cheney for 27 years, has questioned White House claims that President Donald Trump is in excellent health. In a New York Times essay on August 12, Reiner pointed to visible bruises on both hands, swelling in the legs, and episodes when Trump appeared to struggle to stay awake. The White House called Reiner an "ass-hat" and accused him of making political diagnoses, saying he was a disgrace to the medical profession.
Trump's most recent medical report, from a May 2026 examination at Walter Reed hospital, declared him in "excellent health" and fully fit for duty. It acknowledged slight leg swelling and bruising, which the White House attributed to handshaking and aspirin use. Reiner insisted he was not diagnosing, only asking questions. The president turned 80 in June, and no law requires a sitting US president to release full medical records.
The Indian Opinion
The exchange shows how US political polarisation seeps into medical discourse. The White House's personal attack on a respected cardiologist avoids the substance. Reiner's questions are reasonable, but he has not examined Trump. The real test will be whether Trump voluntarily releases detailed medical records from his recent Walter Reed visit. Until then, both sides trade barbs, leaving the public no wiser.
Sources (2): ndtv.com, hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
