By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In a surprising turn of events, the Pulitzer Prize board has demanded President Trump’s medical and financial records as part of a defamation lawsuit he filed in 2022. The board, defending its reporting on Russian interference in the 2016 election, has requested all of Trump’s tax returns from 2015 to the present, in addition to health records, including medication history, within 30 days. This move comes as Trump’s physical and mental fitness has been questioned, particularly as he is 79 years old. The case, which Trump’s legal team says is about “correcting the record”, involves the Pulitzer board’s efforts to defend their reporting that Trump alleges is false.
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Trump, 79, Told to Hand Over His Medical Records, the news is that he’s been hit with a demand to produce his medical records. It’s not just a casual request; it’s part of a legal battle. This stems from a defamation lawsuit he filed against the Pulitzer Prize board back in 2022, concerning reporting on his ties to Russia. Now, the board’s lawyers are firing back, and they’re going straight for the jugular.
Specifically, the board’s lawyers want everything. They’ve requested all of Trump’s tax returns from 2015 to the present. This includes all the attachments, schedules, and worksheets, essentially anything that reveals his income sources and financial holdings. But the real headline here is the medical records. The demand covers any and all documents related to his medical or psychological health. This is a big deal, and it’s a very personal request, particularly given his age.
The context of the case is important. Trump’s lawsuit claims the Pulitzer board perpetuated a false narrative about his campaign colluding with Russia. The board, however, stands by their reporting, arguing it significantly contributed to the public’s understanding of Russian interference in the 2016 election. As part of this case, Trump wanted the Pulitzer Prizes awarded to The New York Times and The Washington Post to be withdrawn.
The Pulitzer board’s counter-move, filed in Okeechobee County, Florida, is a direct challenge. Trump has 30 days from December 11th to respond. This whole situation is likely to be a protracted legal battle, with many seeing this as a play to make him drop the lawsuit. There’s also the question of whether he will comply with the demand. The general expectation seems to be, he won’t.
Now, why is this such a big deal? If you’re going to hold the most powerful job in the world, your health isn’t just personal; it’s public business. It’s what many consider to be a matter of public interest. Voters need to have honest information about a candidate’s health. At 79, questions about physical and mental health are especially relevant. There’s a lot of skepticism, as expected, with comments implying that any records he does release will be, let’s say, less than accurate.
There’s the expectation that the records will be doctored, if they’re released at all. People speculate about what the records might *say*, imagining things like inflated physical stats and unrealistically high IQ scores, or even complete fabrications from his doctors. The very fact that he might be able to hide this information is a source of frustration. Transparency is key, but the laws make it hard to enforce.
On the other hand, there are those who believe that the records could reveal a darker picture, that his doctors are actively working to keep him going and to hide a failing mind. Cognitive tests, and any lack of accurate recollections by a patient, are important data points that could determine his fitness for office. It’s a reminder of the concerns about his mental state, with some people claiming that he already appears to be showing signs of dementia.
Some commenters are pointing to potential contradictions, like claims of being the “healthiest president ever,” directly from his doctors, contrasting them with what is perceived to be a decline in his cognitive abilities. This skepticism extends to the credibility of his doctors and the veracity of any medical information they’ve provided.
There is a discussion of the potential contents of the records, like “real lab numbers, the Montreal test responses, WH Medical staff logs, logs at Walter Reed”. These details, if revealed, could offer a clearer picture of his health status. There’s a clear recognition that there is an existing record of his health somewhere, that it’s simply a matter of getting access to it.
The general sentiment seems to be that he won’t comply. The request is seen as a way to force a settlement. Ultimately, the question is, will these records ever see the light of day? Or is this just another piece of the Trump saga, destined to join the pile of “ain’t never gonna happen” stuff?