Doctor says Trump, now 78, has less than 75% chance of completing his second term
WASHINGTON, DC: As President-elect Donald Trump, now 78, prepares for his second term in office, medical experts are raising concerns about his ability to serve until the end.
According to a report by journalist Will Neal, some doctors believe Trump has “less than a 75 percent chance” of making it through his second term, which would end on January 20, 2029, when he will be 82 years old.
Donald Trump’s health under scrutiny
Donald Trump’s physical health has long been a subject of public scrutiny, and a 2018 physical revealed that he suffers from coronary artery disease, a common heart condition for men of his age.
Neal explains, “An earlier physical in 2018 also determined that Trump suffers from coronary artery disease, a common heart condition for men of his age.” This condition, combined with other health concerns, has prompted further analysis of Trump’s fitness for office.
In 2021, it was revealed that the White House had downplayed the severity of Trump's battle with Covid-19.
Neal writes, "In 2021, it was further revealed the White House had been at some pains the previous year to downplay how seriously Trump had been affected by a bout of Covid-19, which had in reality resulted in such dangerously low blood oxygen levels that officials had raised concern he would need to be placed on a ventilator."
Trump’s weight, reported to be around 244 pounds, is also a factor in discussions about his health. Neal notes, “Trump is believed to weigh around 244 pounds,” which puts him at an increased risk of heart disease and other complications typically seen in individuals of his age and size.
Concerns over Donald Trump’s mental acuity
In addition to his physical health, Trump’s mental acuity is also being questioned. Neal points out that Trump’s "cognitive performance" is frequently the subject of analysis, with many noting his tendency to make verbal gaffes.
He writes, “From accidentally backing Biden as president and decrying 'hummus' over the war in Gaza to — well, just a generally spectacular public descent into rambling incoherence — Trump's well-documented list of gaffes is as long as it is, frankly, terrifying at this particular moment in time.”
These verbal blunders, according to some experts, could indicate early signs of dementia or mood changes linked to a possible underlying personality disorder. Neal continues, “Depending on which experts you ask, these verbal blunders could be a sign of anything from early symptoms of dementia to mood changes indicative of an underlying narcissistic personality disorder. Maybe both.”
Donald Trump’s cognitive issues draw comparisons to Joe Biden
While Trump’s cognitive issues have drawn comparisons to those of President Joe Biden, Neal suggests that Trump's verbal slips may be more alarming.
Neal highlights, “Far-right pundits at Fox News, Fox Business and Newsmax have mocked Biden's verbal gaffes relentlessly — typically while ignoring gaffes coming from Trump.”
As Trump gears up for his second term, questions remain about his ability to navigate the physical and mental demands of the presidency. If Trump cannot serve his full term, Vice-President-elect JD Vance would assume office, a scenario that many are already speculating about.
Neal concludes, “If Trump were unable to serve out all of his second term, Vice-President-Elect JD Vance would take over as president.”
