Key Highlights
- Donald Trump criticized The New York Times and Katie Rogers after an article questioned his aging presidency.
- The article stated that the number of public appearances by Trump had decreased compared to his first term.
- Trump accused Rogers of being a “second-rate” journalist and described The New York Times as “a cheap rag.”
- Tensions between Trump and journalists have escalated, with Trump using aggressive language against female reporters.
The Verdict on Aging Presidency
On Wednesday, 26 November 2025, Donald Trump directed his ire at The New York Times and its correspondent Katie Rogers following the publication of an article that highlighted the challenges facing a president in his twilight years. The piece focused on the decline in public appearances by Trump compared to his first term as president. This shift in focus has come under sharp criticism from Trump, who sees it as an attack on his continued relevance.
Trump’s Rhetorical Fireworks
“Ce TORCHON bon marché est vraiment un ENNEMI DU PEUPLE,” Trump bellowed on Truth Social. He further branded Rogers as “une journaliste de seconde zone qui est laide extérieurement comme intérieurement.” The president, now 79 years old, accused the New York Times of publishing an article that suggested he might be less energetic than before—a claim he vehemently dismissed as baseless.
Declining Public Appearances
The article published on Tuesday revealed a stark decline in Trump’s public appearances from his inauguration until mid-November 2025. According to the New York Times, this drop of 39% compared to the same period during his first term raised questions about his ability to maintain a high profile and engage with constituents. The newspaper also noted that his official days started later than before, and he made fewer domestic trips but more international ones.
Health Concerns
The 79-year-old president has faced scrutiny over his health, particularly after being seen in public with a bruise on his hand and swollen ankles. He also appeared to have dozed off briefly during an Oval Office event. The White House announced that Trump’s latest health check-up indicated he was in “exceptional” health, despite these concerns.
Aggressive Response to Media Criticism
Trump’s aggressive stance towards journalists is nothing new. He has long been critical of media outlets perceived as hostile to his administration. In January 2025, during a meeting with the Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he lashed out at Mary Bruce from ABC News and Catherine Lucey from Bloomberg for their questions about conflicts of interest in Saudi Arabia. He labeled ABC News as “fake news” and called its license a “privilege.”
Journalistic Retaliation
The New York Times, frequent target of Trump’s verbal attacks, issued a statement on X asserting that its journalists would not be swayed by such tactics. The newspaper described the insults as “personal attacks” and emphasized their commitment to unbiased reporting.
The article on Donald Trump’s age and health has sparked further debate over the fitness for office of aging presidents in the United States, raising questions about the balance between experience and vigor required to lead a nation.
