Trump says 'I will let you know' and promises transparency on his health

ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA: President Trump addressed speculation about his physical and cognitive health while delivering a speech in North Carolina on Friday, December 19.

His remarks came amid growing public discussion about his stamina, following several widely circulated on-camera moments during recent public appearances that critics said raised questions about his energy levels.

Trump’s health has drawn renewed national attention from media outlets, political observers, and voters as he continues an active public schedule that includes rallies, official meetings, and travel. 

Trump addresses health questions during North Carolina speech

During his speech, Trump spent several minutes speaking directly about his physical well-being, pushing back against claims that he has slowed down or shown signs of decline.

He pointed to cognitive tests he said he had taken and passed, arguing that mental fitness should be a requirement for sitting presidents. Trump also pledged transparency if his condition were ever to worsen.

“When that time comes, I will let you know about it. In fact, you’ll probably find out about it just by watching,” Trump said.

He added that he had experienced no noticeable changes in how he feels, saying, “But that time is not now, because I feel the same that I felt for 50 years.”

Trump argued that cognitive testing should be mandatory for presidents, calling it “very important” and suggesting such evaluations would reassure the public. 

Trump cites cognitive tests and dismisses decline claims

Trump reiterated similar remarks he made during a Cabinet meeting earlier this month on December 2, when he discussed undergoing a physical examination and voluntarily taking a cognitive test.

“I took my physical. I got all As. Everything,” Trump said at the time. He recalled being asked whether he wanted to take a cognitive test and claimed he agreed despite being told it was difficult.

“Who was the last president to take one? No president has ever agreed to take it. I aced it,” Trump said.

The comments were widely circulated online and fueled further debate about presidential health standards and transparency.

Trump attacks media coverage amid renewed scrutiny

Media attention around Trump’s health intensified last month after The New York Times published a report examining his public schedule and travel habits, concluding that Americans were seeing him less frequently than in previous years.

Trump strongly criticized the reporting on his social media platform, accusing the outlet and others of publishing what he called false narratives about his condition.

He described such coverage as “seditious, perhaps even treasonous,” and labeled the media “Enemies of the People,” adding that action should be taken against outlets spreading what he viewed as misinformation.

Additional speculation emerged after Trump was seen with adhesive bandages on the back of his right hand during a Cabinet meeting, where he also appeared to keep his hands largely out of view.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later addressed questions about the bandages, attributing them to frequent handshaking during public engagements.

“President Trump is a man of the people,” Leavitt said, adding that his schedule involved meeting and greeting Americans daily and that his commitment remained unchanged.