Former President Donald Trump has publicly criticized a New York Times article that reported a significant reduction in his public engagements and signs of aging. The article noted that Trump, now 79 years old, has decreased his official events by 39 percent compared to his first term, with his average start time for events shifting from just after 10:30 a.m. in 2017 to around 12:08 p.m. currently.

In response to the report, Trump dismissed it as a 'hit piece' and asserted that he has high approval ratings and has made substantial investments in the U.S. economy. He acknowledged the natural process of aging but claimed to have recently passed a physical exam and cognitive test, suggesting he is not experiencing any health decline. Despite these assertions, observers have noted physical signs of aging, including bruises on his hands and swollen ankles, as well as instances of apparent fatigue during public appearances.

The New York Times article also highlighted Trump's attendance at fewer events, with only 1,029 official engagements from January 20 to November 25 of his current term, compared to 1,688 during the same period in his first term. Additionally, it mentioned observations of his grogginess and rambling speech patterns.

Trump's health metrics were discussed, revealing a weight of 224 pounds in 2025, still categorized as overweight. His physician, Dr. Sean P. Barbabella, stated that Trump is fit for presidential duties, although some experts have raised concerns about the accuracy of health assessments provided by his aides.

Political historian Matthew Dallek noted that Trump's team appears to be managing perceptions of his health, similar to the narrative surrounding President Joe Biden's health, suggesting a potential disconnect between public portrayal and reality.

In a separate incident, Trump directed gendered insults at female journalist Katie Rogers in response to the Times article, while ignoring the male co-writer. This behavior has drawn criticism and highlights ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of women in media.

Despite a decrease in public appearances, Trump remains active on social media and has completed more international trips than in his first term, although the sustainability of this engagement is uncertain. The White House has stated that it is transparent about Trump's health, contrasting it with the previous administration's handling of Biden's health concerns. The New York Times defended its reporting, emphasizing the role of an independent press in holding officials accountable amidst personal attacks.