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A former attorney for Donald Trump has shared his perspective on the president’s physical and mental condition, addressing ongoing concerns about Trump’s health at age 80, making him the second-oldest U.S. president in history.
Speculation about Trump’s well-being has circulated for months, fueled by observations of his sometimes disjointed speeches, noticeable difficulties walking, and visible bruises on his hands. Despite these worries, the White House has consistently dismissed any health issues. Earlier this year, the president’s annual physical reportedly confirmed he is in “excellent health,” a conclusion reinforced after a doctor intervened during a public appearance to assist Trump.
Captain Sean Barbabella, the president’s physician, attested to Trump’s robust cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and overall physical condition.
In a recent exclusive interview, Michael T. van der Veen, who served as Trump’s lawyer during his 2021 impeachment trial, reflected on his experiences with the president and offered his assessment. Van der Veen, who had direct access to Trump during his first term and witnessed his conduct firsthand, expressed no doubts about Trump’s health.
“No, not that I’m aware of,” van der Veen stated. “He’s a large, physically healthy man. He’s robust, yet his level of energy is always, in my experience, very strong.”
He recounted a moment at Mar-a-Lago that, in his view, highlighted Trump’s sharp cognitive abilities. “I was down in Mar-a-Lago with him, and we were going through the dining room, and he stopped at every table and said, ‘Hey, Joe, you tell your brother membership’s going up in January.
Make sure he joins.’ He’s constantly selling; he’s constantly engaging with people.
And I have not witnessed any cognitive or physical decline.”
Van der Veen also recalled his first meeting with Trump, which took place in a more casual setting on a golf course. “My first meeting with President Trump actually was on a golf course, and I spent 18 holes with him.
I really got to see him outside of an Oval Office kind of setting and he’s an enormously impressive guy. He is physically large, but he’s also outgoing, he’s boisterous, he’s a salesman.
He is fluid on many topics and really an enjoyable and entertaining guy to spend time with.”
Following the latest medical examination, Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency. The doctor’s report clarified that the bruising on his hands stemmed from “minor soft tissue irritation related to frequent handshaking” and was a “common and benign effect of aspirin therapy.” Trump’s physician emphasized that the president maintains a demanding daily routine involving high-level meetings, public appearances, and regular physical activity, all contributing to his overall health and well-being.