Trump Turns White House Hanukkah Event Into Health Boast, Drawing Scrutiny
What was intended to be a moment of reflection at the White House took an unexpected turn when former President Donald Trump shifted from somber remarks about a deadly overseas tragedy to a familiar theme: himself.
Speaking at a Hanukkah reception on December 16, 2025, Trump had just addressed guests about the mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that killed 15 people days earlier. The atmosphere was solemn. But the tone changed abruptly as he introduced Rep. Ronny Jackson, his former White House physician.
Instead of continuing with words of remembrance or unity, Trump launched into a personal anecdote about his health — and how it supposedly eclipsed that of two other presidents.
According to Trump, Jackson — who served as physician under both Barack Obama and Trump, and briefly during George W. Bush’s administration — was once asked which president had been in the best physical condition. Trump claimed the answer was immediate and unequivocal: Trump himself.
“By far the healthiest,” Trump said, recounting the exchange. He added jokingly that had Jackson answered differently, their relationship might not have lasted. Trump went on to praise Jackson as a “great legend,” prompting mixed reactions from attendees.
Now 79 years old, Trump has frequently highlighted his physical condition in public appearances, often contrasting himself with political rivals. Jackson, who left his White House role in 2021 to pursue a political career and now represents Texas as a Republican congressman, has reinforced those claims in the past.
In an August 2025 interview with The Daily Beast, Jackson described Trump as “the healthiest president this nation has ever seen” — a statement Trump has repeatedly referenced at rallies and official events alike.
However, neither Jackson nor representatives for former President Obama have publicly confirmed Trump’s specific account of the comparison. President Joe Biden, meanwhile, has been treated by a different physician throughout his presidency.
Trump’s own recent medical disclosures offer a more nuanced picture. Reports released in October 2025 indicated normal MRI results, according to his current doctor. Earlier this year, Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, though physicians have said his condition remains stable. As the oldest person elected president, Trump is expected to surpass Biden’s age during his time in office.
Jackson himself has not been without controversy. He was demoted by the U.S. Navy in 2022, though that decision was formally overturned in September 2025.
The episode once again highlighted Trump’s tendency to blend personal branding with official or ceremonial settings — even during moments intended for reflection.
Conclusion
Whether interpreted as humor, confidence, or deliberate political messaging, Trump’s remarks redirected attention away from a solemn international tragedy and back onto himself. At an event meant to foster unity and remembrance, the former president reminded audiences that for him, even the most serious occasions can become a platform for self-promotion.