Former President Donald Trump released a doctor’s note touting a clean bill of health as President Joe Biden celebrated his 81st birthday on Monday amid concerns about his age and fitness.
Signed by Bruce Aronwald of the Morristown Medical Group, the note reported Trump’s “overall health is excellent” following his most recent exam mid-September. But at three paragraphs in length, the note gave few specifics, as pointed out by multiple journalists.
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What the note did say was that Trump has likely improved his vital signs due to weight loss attributed to a better diet and daily physical activity during his “rigorous schedule.” The note also said Trump scored “exceptional” scores on cognitive tests, performed within the “normal range” for physical tests, and had cardiovascular tests that were “normal” as well as cancer screening tests that were “all negative.”
Ultimately, the physician shared the opinion that Trump will “continue to enjoy a healthy active lifestyle for years to come” with the former president’s “continued interest in preventative health monitoring and maintenance.”
The note, which Trump himself shared on his Truth Social platform, came as Biden had an 81st birthday overshadowed by questions about his fitness to continue serving as commander in chief. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre insisted there was “no alarm behind the scenes” when pressed about how issues related to Biden’s age and health could affect his electability.
Both Biden and Trump are running in the 2024 election, seeking a second term in office. GOP primary polls show Trump as the frontrunner, possibly setting the stage for a 2020 general election rematch even as Trump faces a number of criminal and civil cases in court.
Biden’s tendency to lose his train of thought while speaking, along with moments caught on camera where he has tripped or fallen over, have spurred concerns about his ability to lead effectively. Already the oldest person to be president, Biden would be 86 at the end of a second term. Trump is 77, but polls don’t reflect as much concern about his age as they do with Biden.
Still, the White House released a health summary from Biden’s physician in February that claimed the president remained “healthy,” “vigorous,” and “fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency.” Physician Kevin O’Connor also said Biden was being treated for non-valvular atrial fibrillation (A-fib), hyperlipidemia, gastroesophageal reflux, seasonal allergies, peripheral neuropathy of feet, and a stiffened gait.
Some Republicans have noted there was no indication that Biden has taken a cognitive test during his presidency and called on him to take one or drop out of the 2024 race.