Former President Donald Trump has addressed recent speculation about his health, clarifying that his tendency to close his eyes during lengthy cabinet meetings has nothing to do with medical issues. Instead, he attributes this behavior to the sheer boredom of the proceedings, which he described as "boring as hell."
Trump's Explanation for Eye-Closing During Meetings
In an interview with New York magazine, Trump elaborated on his actions during cabinet sessions, which sometimes last for hours. "I'm going around a room, and I've got 28 guys—the last one was three and a half hours," he said. "I have to sit back and listen, and I move my hand so that people will know I'm listening." Trump emphasized that despite appearances, he is fully engaged: "I'm hearing every word, and I can't wait to get out."
Marco Rubio Confirms Trump's Listening Habits
Secretary of State Marco Rubio supported Trump's claims, confirming that when the former president closes his eyes, he is not dozing off but actively listening. Rubio also shared an amusing anecdote about his own experiences on Air Force One, where Trump reportedly never takes naps.
Rubio revealed that there is an office on the plane with two couches, which he typically uses for sleeping. However, he takes precautions to avoid being spotted by Trump. "I cover myself in a blanket like a mummy so that I'm not spotted by Trump," Rubio explained. He added that he knows Trump will eventually emerge from his cabin to check who is awake, and he wants to appear as a staffer who fell asleep rather than the secretary of state. "I don't want him to see his secretary of State sleeping on a couch and think, Oh, this guy is weak," Rubio said, asserting that Trump remains "too healthy and active."
Trump's Regret Over Medical Imaging
Trump also expressed regret over undergoing a medical scan, which he believes fueled unnecessary health rumors. He told The New York magazine that he blames his doctors for advising him to take an MRI at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. "It was the worst f**king thing I ever did, and I blame them," Trump stated. "They wanted me to take it. And because I took it, people want to say, 'Oh, there must be something wrong.'"
Clarification from White House Medical Unit
Col. James Jones, who serves in the White House's medical unit and was present during Trump's interview, provided further details. He clarified that Trump did not actually have an MRI but underwent a "computerized tomography exam of his chest and his abdomen," which he described as "MRI-like." Jones emphasized the routine nature of such imaging for patients of Trump's age, stating, "The reason for the imaging, as routine as we stated, is that any patient his age could have things, and we ruled them out." He concluded by highlighting the positive results: "The story should be about the fact that the results were, uh, perfect. They did not demonstrate any problems."
This revelation comes amid ongoing discussions about Trump's health and stamina, with the former president and his associates pushing back against speculations while offering candid insights into the dynamics of his administration and personal habits.
