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Trump Attacks NYT Journalist Amid Health Concerns

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. attacks-nyt-journalist-amid-health-concerns.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 10:44 GMT by IBTimes UK
      Locales: New York, Virginia, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - February 13th, 2026 - Former President Donald Trump continues to face scrutiny regarding his health and cognitive abilities, and his response has been characteristically aggressive. Following a report detailing concerns from sources close to him, Trump launched a personal attack on New York Times journalist Maggie Haberman, escalating a pattern of inflammatory rhetoric that has become synonymous with his public persona.

The controversy began earlier this week when Haberman published an article outlining growing anxieties surrounding Trump's mental acuity and physical stamina. Sources cited in the article, who remain unnamed, indicated a noticeable decline in Trump's sharpness and energy levels, a trend that Trump himself appears to be aware of, yet consistently dismisses. The report has sparked widespread discussion about the fitness of potential future leaders, especially given Trump's continued prominence in the political landscape and his active campaign for the 2028 presidential election.

Trump responded swiftly via his Truth Social platform, dismissing Haberman as "ugly" and labeling her a "very unfair writer" completely "controlled by the failing New York Times." This is not the first instance of Trump targeting journalists with personal insults; it is, however, particularly noteworthy given the context of the report's subject matter. Critics argue that the attack is a deflection tactic, intended to discredit the messenger rather than address the substance of the concerns raised.

This latest outburst occurs on the heels of another highly publicized attack, where Trump referred to E. Jean Carroll as a "piggy." Carroll, a writer and columnist, recently won a landmark civil fraud trial against Trump, securing $83.3 million in damages after a jury found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation. The trial and subsequent damages highlighted a pattern of behavior and language deemed harmful and unacceptable by the court.

Experts in political communication suggest that Trump's strategy of personal attacks serves several purposes. Primarily, it energizes his base by portraying him as a fighter who refuses to be silenced by the "establishment media." It also dominates the news cycle, shifting the focus away from potentially damaging information and onto his defensive maneuvers. However, this strategy increasingly risks alienating moderate voters and reinforcing negative perceptions of his character.

Dr. Eleanor Vance, a professor of political psychology at Columbia University, notes, "Trump's rhetoric is a classic example of projection and emotional reasoning. By attacking the credibility of his critics, he attempts to invalidate their observations and circumvent the need to address legitimate concerns. The use of emotionally charged language, like calling someone 'ugly,' is a deliberate attempt to bypass rational discourse and appeal to primal emotions."

The ongoing concerns about Trump's health have prompted calls for greater transparency regarding his medical condition. While candidates are not typically required to release detailed medical reports, some argue that, given Trump's age and the demands of the presidency, a comprehensive assessment is warranted. This debate has become increasingly prominent as other potential candidates - including President Hayes - also face questions regarding their age and stamina.

Furthermore, the incident raises broader questions about the role of media in reporting on the health of public figures. Balancing the public's right to know with an individual's right to privacy is a complex challenge, and journalists must exercise caution and sensitivity when covering such sensitive topics. However, many argue that the potential impact of a leader's health on national and global security necessitates rigorous scrutiny.

The long-term implications of these attacks and the surrounding health concerns remain to be seen. However, one thing is clear: Donald Trump's communication style continues to be a defining feature of the American political landscape, and his latest outbursts are likely to further polarize an already deeply divided nation. The 2028 election is rapidly approaching, and the debate surrounding Trump's fitness for office is only expected to intensify.