Fact Check: Did Trump say his doctor told him he's healthier than Obama 'by far'?
WASHINGTON, DC: As scrutiny of President Donald Trump's health continues to fuel public debate, a viral social media post has sparked fresh discussion by claiming that Trump said his doctor told him he was "healthier than Obama by far."
The image-based meme has spread widely online, drawing attention because it plays into longstanding comparisons between Trump and former President Barack Obama. The claim has also gained traction amid a wave of satirical posts and jokes highlighting the two presidents' perceived physical differences. But did Trump actually make the statement?
Claim: Trump said his doctor told him he was healthier than Obama 'by far'
The X (formerly Twitter) post by @AnnieForTruth uses laughing emojis alongside a meme image showing a clothed, heavier Donald Trump contrasted with a shirtless, fit Barack Obama paddleboarding. The image includes the text: "Trump claims his doctor told him he is healthier than Obama 'by far'."
The viral claim gained attention after Trump's doctor stated that the president was in "excellent health" following his annual medical examination.
In a memo released by the White House, Capt Sean Barbabella wrote that Trump, who turns 80 next month, demonstrated "strong cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and overall physical function."
Barbabella also addressed Trump's weight and the bruising on his hand, concluding that he was "fully fit to carry out all duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State."
Fact Check: True, Trump did make the claim
It is true that Trump has made this claim. During a speech at the White House on December 16, Trump said that former White House physician Ronny Jackson told him he was "by far the healthiest" president when compared with former Presidents Obama and Joe Biden.
Jackson served as Trump's physician during part of his first term and also during the Obama administration. Biden, however, had a different physician during his presidency.
However, there is no public evidence that Jackson ever made this direct comparison on the record. While Jackson has repeatedly given Trump favorable health assessments, describing him as being in "excellent health" and having "incredibly good genes," no transcript, video, or contemporaneous report shows Jackson ranking Trump against Obama or Biden and declaring Trump "by far" healthier.
Although Jackson has not publicly confirmed or denied Trump's account in recent years, he remains a close ally and has continued to make supportive statements about the Republican leader's health.
