The Big Story What is the world entitled to know about the president’s health?
Sep 8, 2025
Garrett Graff, a renowned author and presidential historian, dives into the hidden histories of presidents' health issues, from Wilson's concealed stroke to Kennedy's chronic pain. He discusses the tricky landscape of media coverage regarding presidents like Biden and Trump, highlighting the tension between public right to know and privacy. The conversation also unpacks how transparency is essential for maintaining trust in leadership, especially in today’s politically charged atmosphere, and the historical implications of health secrecy on national security.
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Absences Stand Out For High-Profile Presidents
- Donald Trump's frequent public presence makes unexplained absences more notable to observers.
- Visible signs like swollen ankles and bruised hands raised broader questions about his health this summer.
Press Scrutiny Has Been Inconsistent
- The Washington press corps criticized itself for missing signs about Joe Biden, yet shows less curiosity now about Trump.
- Graff argues we have less reliable health information about Trump than any modern president.
Access Politics Shapes Health Reporting
- Graff says the press sometimes lets Trump get away with things other presidents couldn't due to his constant lying.
- He adds that White House pushback and access threats discourage deeper reporting on health questions.