Trump describes media reports about his health as “inflammatory”

US President Donald Trump strongly criticized the media outlets that raised questions about his health condition, describing their reports as “inflammatory and possibly treasonous,” which on Wednesday prompted a reaction from one of the most prominent media outlets.

In a lengthy post that he published at night on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump, who is the oldest of the elected presidents of the United States, directed sharp criticism at reports reported by the New York Times and others, stating that his performance began to slow down at the age of seventy-nine.

“There has never been a boss who has worked as hard as I do! My hours are the longest, and my results are among the best,” Trump’s nearly 500-word post read.

He added, “I truly believe that what the New York Times and others are doing is inflammatory, and may even involve betrayal (of the country) by continuing to publish misleading reports with the intent of defaming and insulting the President of the United States.”

He pointed out that he underwent “lengthy, comprehensive and very boring” medical examinations, and was able to “excel” in cognitive tests that he said other presidents had not undergone.

He pointed out that “the best thing that could happen to this country is for the New York Times to stop publishing because it is a terrible, biased, and unreliable source of information.”

A report published by the New York Times in November angered Trump and the White House, stating that the president had significantly reduced his public events, domestic travel, and work hours compared to his first term.

Trump’s health came under scrutiny after he appeared to struggle to stay awake at a series of events, not to mention that he underwent an MRI as part of additional medical examinations in October.

“Americans deserve in-depth reporting and regular updates on the health of the leaders they elect,” New York Times spokeswoman Nicole Taylor told AFP.

She added, “Trump welcomed our coverage of the age and fitness of his predecessors, and we apply the same level of journalistic scrutiny to his vitality.”

The newspaper explained that its reports are based on many sources and rely on interviews with people close to the president and medical experts.

Taylor continued, “We will not be deterred by the language of lies and incitement that distorts the role of the free press.”