The two candidates are the forerunners in their respective parties, and either, if elected, would become the oldest U.S. president to serve in office. Polls have shown that the majority of Americans have some concerns about the age of the leading candidates.
Mr. Aronwald has been President Trump’s personal physician since 2021 and stated that he has conducted “several comprehensive examinations” during that time, the latest being on Sept. 13, and oversees his other health screenings and maintenance. President Trump is now 77.
“I am pleased to report that President Trump’s overall health is excellent. His physical exams were well within the normal range and his cognitive exams were exceptional,” the statement reads. “In addition, his most recent extensive laboratory analysis remains well within normal limits and was even more favorable than prior testing in some of the most significant parameters, most likely secondary to weight reductions.”
He additionally noted that cardiovascular tests were normal, and cancer screening tests returned negative, and the former president has reduced his weight through “improved diet” and daily physical activity even as he campaigns.
Biden Birthday
President Biden pardoned two turkeys named Liberty and Bell earlier on Monday, making quips about his age.
If reelected, he would be 82 when he takes his second term in office, and leave office at age 86.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre field questions about the president’s age later at a press conference.
“Our perspective is that it’s not about age; it’s about the president’s experience,” she said. Pressed about the president’s dismal approval ratings, she stated, “We’re not going to change the minds of Americans. I get that, Americans are going to feel how they feel. And we’re going to respect that.”
Age Concerns
In late September, an NBC News survey found that 74 percent of respondents had a major or moderate concern about the president’s mental and physical health. A Reuters/Ipsos poll in mid-September found that 77 percent of voters had this concern.In August, an Associated Press-NORC poll found that 77 percent of voters said President Biden was “too old to effectively serve another four-year term.” It also found that 51 percent said similarly about President Trump.
Some politicians, including Nikki Hayley, who is running against President Trump in the Republican primaries, have called for cognitive testing for older politicians.
The push was renewed over the summer when members of Congress, including Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and the late Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) displayed health issues during public appearances.
“Congress has now become the most privileged nursing home in the country,” Ms. Haley said during a campaign event in Iowa. “We need to have mental competency tests for anyone over the age of 75.”
Another political rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, recently made jabs about President Trump’s age too.
“The presidency is not a job for an 80-year-old,” he said on CNN. “Donald Trump would actually be older on Jan. 28, 2025, than Biden was on Jan. 20, of 2021.”
He noted that President Trump was “not willing to debate” and suggested it had something to do with his age. “This is not the same guy as the Trump in 2015 and ’16,” he said.
President Trump has said a mental competence test would be a “good thing” and that he would pass one.
“I aced it,” he said of his last test in an interview with NBC. “I get everything right.”
