Trump 'healthy' with perfect cognitive score: doctor
January 17, 2018
White House physician Ronny Jackson said Tuesday that Donald Trump had a very strong chance of remaining physically fit and healthy for the full term of his presidency.
"In summary, the president's overall health is excellent," Jackson told reporters at a briefing in Washington.
"He continues to enjoy the significant long-term cardiac and overall health benefits that come from a lifetime of abstinence from tobacco and alcohol," he said, adding, however, that Trump could do with a lower-fat diet and more exercise.
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Jackson, a navy doctor, carried out his assessment of the 71-year-old leader on Friday at the Walter Reed military hospital in Maryland. The test largely focused on Trump's cardiac assessment, which the doctor said was normal.
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Trump 'very sharp'
Doctor Jackson told the press briefing the president had also requested that the examination include a cognitive test because he likely wanted to end speculation — largely fueled by a controversial new book — that he is mentally unfit.
"Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," which portrays Trump as an inept, childlike figure, has led to questions about his suitability for office since its release in early January.
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Jackson said he could see no evidence that Trump struggled with any kind of cognitive issues.
"The president is mentally very sharp, very intact. ... He is fit for duty," he said. "I think he will remain fit for duty for the remainder of this term and even for the remainder of another (four-year) term if he's elected."
Trump took office at the age of 70, making him the oldest person ever elected to the US presidency.
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nm/se (Reuters, AFP, AP)