‘I feel great’: Trump says he feels the same physically and mentally as he did 50 years ago

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump, 79, drew attention during a wide-ranging interview with NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas, touching on topics from Minneapolis and artificial intelligence to the 2028 election. Yet, his comments on his physical and mental health dominated headlines.

Trump insisted he feels “great” and described his health as unchanged over decades. “I feel great. I mean, physically and mentally. I feel like I did 50 years ago. It's crazy. Now, there'll be a time when I won't be able to give you that answer, but that time hasn't come,” he told Llamas on February 4.

Trump reflects on health as he nears 80 

Llamas referenced first meeting Trump during his initial presidential campaign and asked how he feels now, as he approaches 80. Trump’s response was calm, confident, and punctuated by his signature hyperbole, reinforcing his long-standing narrative of vitality despite advancing age.

Trump maintains perfect health amid public speculation 

Questions about Trump’s health have circulated for years, fueled by visible bruising on his hands, moments of apparent fatigue during long meetings, and recent MRI-like scans. In past interviews, Trump described himself as a “young, vibrant man,” dismissing concerns about age and stamina.

As reported by MS News, Trump and his senior advisers have repeatedly pushed back against speculation, asserting that he remains in “perfect health.” Regarding recent scans, Trump told reporters, “They asked about my MRI. So, if they want to release it it's okay with me to release it. It's perfect. It's like my phone call where I got impeached."

White House staff and allies defended him against claims of dozing off during meetings. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it a “listening mechanism,” while press secretary Karoline Leavitt said it demonstrated Trump was “actively listening.” Staff secretary Will Scharf added that Trump often closes his eyes during long discussions to take notes, not because he is sleeping.

Trump gave his blunt assessment of those long sessions: “It’s boring as hell,” he told the magazine about the December Cabinet meeting. “I’m going around a room, and I’ve got 28 guys, the last one was three-and-a-half hours. I have to sit back and listen, and I move my hand so that people will know I’m listening. I’m hearing every word, and I can’t wait to get out.”

Addressing the bruising on his hand, Trump insisted, “This is only from shaking hands,” with Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella confirming the explanation as “absolutely” accurate after Trump requested verification.