President Donald Trump, 79, is supposed to be America’s healthiest president. At least, that’s what the White House says—courtesy of Ronny Jackson, a former doctor now in Congress, once nicknamed the “Candyman” for handing out prescriptions “like candy.”
Jackson was Trump’s first White House physician. He once said the president could “live to 200.” When Trump nominated him to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs, he had to withdraw. Allegations said he handed out prescription drugs “like candy,” drank on the job, and created a hostile workplace. The Navy stripped him of his rear admiral rank. His full medical license expired in 2020, leaving him able to practice only in emergencies.
In his statement, Jackson said,
“As President Trump’s former personal physician, former Physician to the President, and White House physician for 14 years across three administrations, I can tell you unequivocally: President Donald J. Trump is the healthiest president this nation has ever seen. I continue to consult with his current physician and medical team at the White House and still spend significant time with the President. He is mentally and physically sharper than ever before.”
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It is unclear if he actually sees Trump’s current medical records.
Trump’s health has been under public scrutiny for months. His ankles have been severely swollen, a condition called “chronic venous insufficiency.” Photos show large bruises on both hands. He sometimes appears unsteady while walking. The White House said he is “mentally and physically sharper than ever.” They also cropped official photos to remove his swollen ankles. They claimed the bruises were from aspirin use and handshakes.
Jackson’s history increases doubts. He overprescribed medications, treated staff poorly, drank while on duty, and made insulting comments toward female colleagues. A 2021 Pentagon inspector general report concluded he made “sexual and denigrating” comments toward a female subordinate and abused prescription sleep medication while on duty. He was demoted by the Navy in 2022 but continued to call himself an admiral. He remained a loyal supporter of Trump and bandaged Trump’s ear after an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania last year.
The White House also used Jackson’s statement to criticize President Joe Biden. They said, “Joe Biden’s handlers covered up his mental decline for four years while they did everything in their power to destroy America.”
The White House has provided very little detailed information about President Trump’s health. They stated he weighed 224 pounds and was 6 foot 2 at his last physical in April, which drew widespread skepticism. In July, they disclosed that he has “chronic veinous insufficiency,” a condition in which blood pools in the legs, following photographs that showed his swollen ankles.
In the weeks that followed, additional images showed his swollen ankles and significant bruising on both hands. The White House explained that the initial bruises on his right hand were due to aspirin use and handshaking. When bruising appeared on his left hand, that explanation faced scrutiny. He also appeared unsteady while walking during a weekend golf outing.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
