On Monday, the campaign of former President Donald Trump released a letter from his personal physician, Dr. Bruce Aronwald, stating that he is in “excellent” health and that his cognitive exams were “exceptional.” The letter was written after Trump made verbal slips that drew attention to his age. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had said on Sunday that the presidency was not suitable for someone pushing 80, as he tried to distinguish himself from Trump and President Joe Biden, who turned 81 on Monday.
The letter by Dr. Aronwald states that Trump’s most recent “comprehensive examination” was September 13, 2023, and his cardiovascular studies are all normal. He also mentions that cancer screening tests were negative and Trump had reduced his weight. However, the letter does not provide details about the specific tests taken or their results. In 2015, Trump’s campaign released a similar letter written by Dr. Harold Bornstein, who later claimed that Trump dictated the letter to him.
During his time in office, Trump received a glowing bill of health from Dr. Ronny Jackson, the then-presidential physician. Jackson, now a congressman and one of Trump’s staunchest supporters, praised the then-president’s health during a briefing to the White House press corps in January 2018. He noted Trump’s “good genes,” how he did “exceedingly well” on his cognitive test and his “excellent” cardiac health. According to FEC filings, Aronwald donated to Chris Christie’s 2015 presidential campaign.