Questions about US President Donald Trump's health have resurfaced after British cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra suggested that the 79-year-old head of state's medications could be leading to "fatigue and brain fog."
Doctor raises red flags over Trump's medication
Dr Malhotra, a former adviser to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., told DailyMail.com that Trump's reported sluggishness can be explained by certain statins, notably Rosuvastatin and Ezetimibe- the two medicines Trump is believed to be taking.
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"A common side effect of statins, especially as you get older, is fatigue and things like brain fog," Malhotra said. "That may well explain some of the observations people have made." He added that research also links these medications to ankle swelling, a symptom that has drawn public attention during Trump's recent appearances.
The cardiologist said he had shared his concerns with two members of Trump's Cabinet, both of whom were "very concerned" and considered bringing up the matter directly with the president.
White House pushes back strongly
As per a report by the Knewz, responding to the remarks, White House spokesperson Kush Desai said that President Trump has mental acuity and energy levels that most young people could not fathom having. " He further added, " So-called medical ‘experts,’ especially foreign ones with no relevance or involvement in the administration, should stop beclowning themselves and marring their credibility by pitching their idiotic hot takes with fake news outlets that have nothing better to cover."
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Since Trump returned to the White House in January, speculation about his health has reached a fever pitch. Observers have pointed to signs ranging from swollen ankles to bruised hands to a blue tablet seen during a public event. There have even been claims of possible dementia - something that Trump's former White House physician, Ronny Jackson, has flatly denied.
Jackson said, “As President Trump’s former personal physician, former physician to the president, and White House physician for 14 years across three administrations, I can tell you unequivocally: President Donald J. Trump is the healthiest president this nation has ever seen”, adding further, “I continue to consult with his current physician and medical team at the White House and still spend significant time with the president. He is mentally and physically sharper than ever before.”
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker only added more fuel to the fire when saying, “I genuinely think there is something wrong with him,” and called on Trump’s family to intervene. “I wish that his family would intervene, because I do think he needs mental health help, and I don’t think anybody around him that works for him is going to do that, because they’re benefiting from his failure of mental health, his dementia,” Pritzker added.
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The report further says that previously, Trump told reporters that the governor, J.B. Pritzker, “should spend more time in the gym”- a clear jab at the governor’s weight. Slamming back, Pritzker called Trump a “bully”, adding, “The president, of course, himself is not in good shape.”
Routine checkup causes concern
Trump’s recent visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre - his second in six months - has also raised several questions. Though the White House characterised the trip as a “routine” follow-up evaluation, Trump later acknowledged having had an MRI, which is not routine for annual physicals, Knewz reported. While Trump said, “Physically, I feel very good. Mentally, I feel very good. I like to check, always early. Always be early, it’s a lesson for a lot of people.”
The report also states further that according to a memo addressed to the Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the President “successfully completed a scheduled follow-up evaluation”, with all test results described as “exceptional”. But despite the mounting speculation, Trump continues to brush off criticism, repeatedly stating that he is “perfect” and ready to continue his duties.
