The physical condition of a presidential candidate is always a subject of public interest, and Donald Trump is no exception. In recent months, observers have pointed to his swollen ankles and occasional bruises, while political opponents have gone further, openly questioning his mental sharpness and suggesting he may be showing signs of dementia. These claims have created a swirling debate about the former president’s fitness for office, a debate that now includes a surprising and controversial new voice.
This conversation intensified when an adviser to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign entered the fray. Dr. Aseem Malhotra, a British cardiologist with a history of controversial medical opinions, has put forward a theory that counters the prevailing narratives. Rather than attributing Trump’s reported symptoms to cognitive decline or age-related illness, Dr. Malhotra points to the president’s own medication regimen as the potential culprit for issues like fatigue and swelling.
It is important to note that Trump’s health has been officially addressed by his personal physician. Following a comprehensive medical examination in July, Dr. Sean Barbabella stated that Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common and benign condition that can cause swelling in the legs. The doctor’s report explicitly noted that tests found no evidence of more serious issues like heart failure, deep vein thrombosis, or systemic illness, presenting a picture of a man in good health for his age.
Dr. Malhotra, however, suggests that the official story misses a key detail. He publicly theorized that Trump’s reported fatigue and any perceived mental fogginess are not signs of dementia but are instead side effects of cholesterol-lowering statins and aspirin. He boldly claimed that these medications, intended to protect his health, are potentially having the opposite effect and should be discontinued to “optimize” the former president’s well-being.
This advice stands in stark contrast to established medical guidance, which strongly warns patients against stopping prescribed medications without consulting their doctors. Malhotra’s views have previously been criticized by major medical organizations, adding a layer of skepticism to his latest claims. His theory, while offering an alternative explanation for Trump’s health, ultimately adds more heat than light to a discussion that is often short on verified facts and long on political speculation.
