Trump’s Health Claims Rekindled Amidst Former Physician’s Controversial Past
Whispers about President Donald Trump’s declining health have been circulating, but the former President himself has been quick to counter these narratives. He has repeatedly invoked the opinion of his former White House physician, Texas congressman Ronny Jackson, who, according to Trump, once declared him the “healthiest” president in American history.
During a St. Patrick’s Day event on Tuesday, March 17, Trump, aged 79, shared a recollection of Dr. Jackson’s assessment. He stated that Jackson told him he was “by far the healthiest” president, drawing comparisons to his predecessors, including Barack Obama, who is 64, and Joe Biden, who is 83. This isn’t the first time Trump has leaned on Jackson’s pronouncements. The congressman, who joined the White House Medical Unit in 2006 during George W. Bush’s tenure, has been frequently quoted by Trump as describing him as the “best physical specimen” and “healthiest president this nation has ever seen.”
Trump recounted a specific instance, saying, “I’ll never forget, they said, ‘Who’s the healthiest president?’ Because he covered Obama. He covered some others — I don’t want to say who. And Trump. He said ‘By far, Trump. There’s nobody even close.’” This statement was delivered as a somewhat tangential remark during his St. Patrick’s Day address.
Ronny Jackson’s career in the White House was notable. He served as President Obama’s physician until Obama nominated him to head the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, this nomination was ultimately derailed by a series of scandals, leading Jackson to withdraw his name.
The “Candyman” Moniker and Allegations
During his time serving in the White House, Jackson reportedly earned the nickname “Candyman.” This moniker arose from allegations suggesting he dispensed prescription medications too readily and without maintaining adequate records.
Addressing these accusations at the time, Jackson vehemently denied them, stating, “The allegations against me are completely false and fabricated,” prior to withdrawing his nomination for VA Secretary.
A significant moment in Jackson’s public record was a 2018 briefing. In this widely publicised event, Jackson lauded Trump’s “incredible genes” and, with a touch of humour, suggested that with a more disciplined diet, the President could potentially live to be 200 years old. He also reported that Trump had achieved a perfect score of 30/30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a test designed to detect cognitive impairment.
With strong backing from Trump, Jackson, who had faced considerable scrutiny, successfully transitioned into politics. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2020.
Lingering Doubts and Inspector General’s Findings
Despite his election to Congress, Jackson’s professional reputation has continued to be a subject of concern. A 2021 report from the Department of Defense Inspector General detailed findings of “inappropriate conduct.” These alleged transgressions included consuming alcohol while on duty and mistreating subordinates.
Following these findings, Jackson faced a demotion in rank within the Navy. However, in a subsequent development in June 2025, the Secretary of the Navy reinstated his rank as Rear Admiral.
While Trump continues to present Jackson as an authoritative figure, a “living certificate” of his personal vitality, critics and medical professionals often highlight these past controversies and the “Candyman” nickname. These issues raise questions about the impartiality and credibility of Jackson’s consistently positive health assessments of the former President.
Trump himself has expressed his continued reliance on his former doctor, stating on Tuesday, “Whenever I have a problem, I call Doc Ronnie, and he works it out. He’s a great guy.”
Despite official statements from the White House that have declared “exceptional health,” persistent concerns remain regarding the President’s stamina, his use of blood-thinning medication, potential age-related cognitive changes, and an apparent overall decline in his physical condition.
