As the 2024 election approaches, former President Donald Trump’s health has once again become a topic of national discussion. Concerns about his physical and mental well-being have grown after several recent public appearances raised eyebrows among observers.
Critics have pointed to visible bruises on Trump’s hands, swelling around his ankles, and moments of what they describe as confusion or fatigue during speeches. These observations have fueled speculation that the 78-year-old may be showing early signs of cognitive decline.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker was among those who suggested that Trump might be experiencing “dementia-like” symptoms, sparking intense debate across political circles. The claims quickly spread online, with supporters and detractors clashing over what the signs really mean.
However, Trump’s inner circle has strongly denied any health crisis. His team insists that the bruises on his hands come from “vigorous handshaking” at rallies and events, while the swelling in his ankles is attributed to natural aging.
In July, Trump reportedly underwent a comprehensive medical checkup conducted by the White House Medical Unit. His longtime physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, later released a statement confirming that the test results were “within normal limits.”
According to Dr. Barbabella, Trump showed mild swelling in his lower legs, a condition known as chronic venous insufficiency. The doctor clarified that this was a common, non-serious issue among older adults and not a sign of a deeper medical concern.
Additional diagnostic procedures — including vascular ultrasounds and an echocardiogram — were conducted to rule out potential heart or kidney issues. The results came back clear, easing immediate concerns from his staff.
Yet, a surprising new theory has emerged from Dr. Aseem Malhotra, a British cardiologist and adviser to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. His comments have reignited the public conversation in unexpected ways.
Speaking to The Daily Beast, Dr. Malhotra dismissed the idea that Trump is suffering from dementia. Instead, he proposed a more unconventional explanation for the former president’s symptoms.
According to Malhotra, Trump’s visible fatigue, swelling, and occasional sluggishness could be side effects of commonly prescribed medications — specifically statins and aspirin.
“I don’t believe Donald Trump has dementia,” Malhotra stated confidently. “What we’re seeing may be a direct result of medication side effects, not neurological decline.”
Malhotra explained that statins, while used to control cholesterol, can sometimes cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and even cognitive fog in older patients. Aspirin, meanwhile, can contribute to internal bleeding and swelling over time.
“If I were his doctor,” Malhotra added, “I would stop those drugs immediately. In someone with his vitality, they could be doing more harm than good.”
His remarks quickly spread online, especially after he elaborated during a live-streamed discussion at the European Parliament’s “Make Europe Healthy Again” event. There, he described Trump as “almost superhuman” but warned that medication could be reducing his natural energy.
Malhotra also suggested that for people without severe vascular disease, long-term aspirin use might pose greater risks than benefits. He emphasized that medical decisions should always be personalized rather than dictated by pharmaceutical norms.
The doctor’s comments sparked immediate backlash from major medical organizations, including the British Heart Foundation, which has previously criticized Malhotra for promoting unverified health theories.
Despite the controversy, his claims have drawn renewed attention to Trump’s overall health regimen and whether his medication could be affecting his performance.
Supporters of Trump argue that he remains energetic and sharp, pointing to his lengthy campaign rallies and frequent public appearances as proof of resilience. They see Malhotra’s theory as a validation of Trump’s strength, not weakness.
Critics, on the other hand, remain unconvinced. They claim that no amount of medical theorizing can explain what they perceive as Trump’s increasingly erratic behavior and speech patterns.
Political analysts note that this debate over health is likely to intensify as Election Day draws nearer. With both Trump and President Biden in their late seventies, the issue of aging leadership has become a focal point in American politics.
Malhotra’s theory introduces a new layer to that discussion — one that suggests the problem may not be mental decline at all, but overmedication and its unintended consequences.
Whether his hypothesis gains credibility or fades as another controversial soundbite remains to be seen. But for now, it has ensured that Trump’s health will continue dominating headlines.
The former president himself has not publicly addressed Malhotra’s comments, though his campaign has dismissed all rumors of poor health as “baseless political attacks.”
Still, the broader debate has reignited questions about how candidates’ medical information should be disclosed to the public — and how much transparency voters deserve.
As Dr. Malhotra summed up, “Donald Trump’s biggest health issue may not be disease, but the medicine itself.” It’s a provocative statement that has left the political world buzzing.