Trump Dismisses Media Reports on His Health as 'Inciteful'

President Trump launched a fierce attack on media outlets questioning his health, calling their reports "inflammatory and possibly treasonous." The 79-year-old president, now the oldest ever elected to the office, specifically targeted The New York Times and other publications in a 500-word late-night post on his Truth Social platform.

Trump's outburst came in response to reports suggesting his performance has slowed down since taking office. "There has never been a President who has worked as hard as I have worked," he wrote. "My hours are the longest, and my results are among the best."

The president escalated his criticism, saying he believes what The New York Times and others are doing is "inflammatory, and perhaps even treasonous, by continuing to publish misleading reports intended to defame and harm the President of the United States."

He defended his mental sharpness by pointing to what he called "extensive, comprehensive, and very boring" medical examinations. Trump claimed he excelled in cognitive tests that he says other presidents never took.

The controversy stems from a November New York Times report that upset Trump and the White House. The report found that the president had significantly reduced public events, domestic travel, and working hours compared to his first term.

Trump's health became a focus after he appeared to struggle staying alert during several public events. He also underwent an MRI scan as part of additional medical tests in October, which added to the scrutiny.

The New York Times stood by its reporting. Spokesperson Nicole Taylor told AFP that "Americans deserve in-depth reporting and regular updates on the health of the leaders they elect." She noted that Trump had welcomed their coverage of his predecessors' age and fitness, and they're applying the same journalistic standards to his vitality.

The newspaper emphasized that its reports are based on multiple sources, including interviews with people close to the president and medical experts. Taylor said they won't be deterred by "language of lies and incitement that distorts the role of free journalism."

Trump went further in his criticism, suggesting "the best thing that could happen to this country is for The New York Times to stop publishing because it's a terrible, biased, and unreliable source of information."

The clash highlights the ongoing tension between Trump and mainstream media, but also raises questions about transparency regarding presidential health. At 79, Trump's age and stamina have become legitimate subjects of public interest, especially as he begins his second term with a packed agenda of domestic and international challenges.