By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Recent reports scrutinizing Donald Trump’s health have prompted a lengthy response on Truth Social where he accused publications like The New York Times of “seditious” behavior for reporting on his alleged deteriorating health. The former president claimed he has repeatedly “aced” cognitive exams and that the scrutiny of his health is fueled by fabricated reports. These remarks followed increased media attention on his physical and cognitive abilities, including instances of dozing off, bruising, and swollen ankles. Trump’s post reflects a growing concern over the former president’s fitness, mirroring the same criticisms he once leveled against his political rivals.
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Trump, 79, insists it’s treason to talk about his health issues. It’s a statement that, frankly, invites a deep sigh. Here we have a former president, a man who built his political persona on aggressive attacks and unrelenting criticism, now claiming that any discussion of *his* well-being is potentially treasonous. The audacity is almost breathtaking. It’s the same playbook, the same narcissistic defense, just re-packaged with a fresh, alarming label.
The central point here, as much as he’d like us to ignore it, is hypocrisy. For years, Trump and his allies relentlessly scrutinized Joe Biden’s health, using phrases like “Sleepy Joe” and making constant, often unsubstantiated claims about his cognitive abilities. Now, when the tables are turned and questions arise about Trump’s own health, the response is not only to deflect but to declare any such discussion as a treasonous act. This is the definition of a double standard and highlights his fragile ego and unwillingness to accept criticism.
It’s difficult to avoid the irony. The very man who built a career on attacking others, now demands immunity from any similar scrutiny. The same individual who thrived on controversy and provocation now hides behind the accusation of treason whenever his own vulnerabilities are addressed. This is not the behavior of a strong leader, but of someone deeply insecure and afraid. It’s almost comical how transparent this is.
The implications are disturbing. By attempting to silence any questioning of his health, Trump is effectively trying to create a shield around himself, to insulate himself from any accountability. It’s an attempt to control the narrative, to dictate what can be said and how, and it’s a tactic that is more akin to authoritarianism than democracy. The press, the public, anyone who dares to express concerns, is to be branded a traitor. It’s a classic move in the strongman’s manual.
The sheer absurdity of the claim is also worth noting. Treason is a serious accusation with serious legal consequences. To casually throw it around, to label those who question your health as potential traitors, is a gross abuse of language and a devaluation of the gravity of that word. It’s a rhetorical tactic designed to intimidate, to shut down debate, and to rally his base around a perceived threat.
And of course, we can’t forget the underlying context. Trump is 79 years old. It’s a simple fact. It’s also a simple fact that health concerns are, well, relevant. Regardless of his own accusations or opinions. Anyone who runs for public office, especially the highest office in the land, opens themselves up to this type of scrutiny. It’s not malicious; it’s responsible, and arguably, necessary.
The way he frames this discussion, however, is a distraction. He’s trying to steer the focus away from his fitness for office. He is diverting the conversation to a place where he has more control. However, the questions surrounding his health are not going away. The fact that the same people who talked about Biden’s health issues are now being criticized says everything. He brought this on himself.
Perhaps this reaction is a sign of his own discomfort. Perhaps the discussions about his health are hitting too close to home. Whatever the reason, his response is not only wrong, but it’s also a disservice to the American people. He should be answering the questions, not trying to silence them. The public has a right to know if a potential leader is fit to serve. To label that concern as treason is not only absurd, but it is also a betrayal of the very principles of transparency and accountability that a democracy requires.