The New York Times said Wednesday that it will continue reporting on President Donald Trump’s health despite his recent attacks, rejecting what it called “false and inflammatory language” that misrepresents the role of the press. Trump had posted on Truth Social that media coverage of his health was “seditious, perhaps even treasonous” and accused outlets of producing “FAKE” reports. In the post, he called journalists “true Enemies of the People” and suggested that action should be taken against them.
The 79-year-old president did not specify which reports he was targeting, but the newspaper has published several stories in recent weeks analyzing his public appearances and travel schedule, suggesting Americans have seen less of him than in previous years. Coverage included observations of fatigue during official events and comparisons of his energy levels to those of older past presidents. Trump pushed back, saying he is history’s hardest-working president, detailing his long medical examinations, including cognitive tests that he said he “ACED.” He criticized the Times for portraying him as slowing down or in poor health, calling such claims untrue.
The health of U.S. presidents has long been a sensitive topic, from Grover Cleveland’s secret surgery to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s polio, and Trump has frequently scrutinized President Joe Biden’s cognitive fitness. Trump also has a $15 billion defamation lawsuit pending against the Times over prior reporting on his finances. A spokeswoman for the newspaper said its coverage of Trump’s health is based on well-sourced interviews and expert input and emphasized that Americans deserve ongoing, in-depth reporting about the leaders they elect. She added that the outlet will not be intimidated by attacks that mischaracterize the work of a free press.