President Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm by slamming a New York Times reporter as "ugly" in a blistering Truth Social post, responding to claims that his stamina is waning in his second term, as the Daily Mail reports.
The controversy erupted after a New York Times piece suggested Trump, now 79, struggles to maintain the high-energy image he cultivated. At the same time, the President countered with sharp personal criticism of the article’s co-author and dismissed the narrative as biased.
During his first term, starting in 2017, Trump typically began his daily schedule around 10:31 a.m., according to an analysis by the Times.
This year, however, his events have started later, averaging around 12:08 p.m. That shift, coupled with a 39% drop in official White House appearances compared to his first term, fueled the Times’ narrative of declining vigor.
Yet Trump’s calendar remains packed with grueling tasks, like a 12-hour nonstop flight to Israel for Gaza cease-fire talks in October. Add to that dozens of weekly public events and lengthy press conferences, and the picture of a faltering leader seems less convincing.
The New York Times article, co-authored by Katie Rogers and Dylan Freedman, argued that projecting boundless energy and physical strength is growing harder for Trump as he ages. But isn’t it natural for any leader, regardless of party, to pace themselves differently over time?
Health speculations have also swirled, with photos earlier this year showing bruising on Trump’s hand, which the White House chalked up to enthusiastic handshakes. Makeup sometimes covered the marks, though that hardly seems a scandal worth headlines.
More seriously, in July, the White House disclosed Trump’s diagnosis of Chronic Venous Insufficiency, a condition affecting blood flow in the legs, after images revealed swelling. Then, just this month, critics pounced on footage of Trump seemingly closing his eyes during an Oval Office event on weight-loss drug pricing.
A White House spokesman quickly pushed back, insisting, "The President was not sleeping; in fact, he spoke throughout and took many questions from the Press." Sounds like the kind of snap judgment the left often decries when aimed at their own.
Trump didn’t hold back, taking to Truth Social with a scorching rebuttal. "The Creeps at the Failing New York Times are at it again," he wrote, branding the story a "hit piece" and accusing the outlet of deliberate negativity.
He went further, targeting co-author Katie Rogers with harsh words about her appearance and professionalism. While his frustration with perceived media bias is understandable, such personal jabs risk overshadowing the substantive debate about his leadership capacity.
Last week, Trump also clashed with a Bloomberg reporter, Catherine Lucey, aboard Air Force One, over questions about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. His sharp retort, while reflecting exasperation, again shifted focus from policy to personality.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Trump, stating, "He calls out fake news when he sees it and gets frustrated with reporters who spread false information." Her point resonates with many who feel the mainstream press often crafts narratives rather than reports facts.
Still, the irony isn’t lost that Trump and his allies relentlessly critiqued Joe Biden’s age and limited public presence during Biden’s tenure. If the shoe fits on one foot, shouldn’t it at least be tried on the other for fairness?
By the time Trump nears the end of his second term, he’s poised to become the oldest living president, a milestone that invites scrutiny but also respect for enduring such a demanding role. The energy debate will likely persist, but let’s hope it focuses on policy impact rather than personal potshots from either side.
