Former President Donald Trump’s national address on Wednesday drew attention not only for its message, but also for the way it was delivered. While public discussion initially centered on the speech’s content, a medical expert later raised questions about Trump’s speaking style and overall presentation.
During the roughly 20-minute address on the economy and immigration, Trump appeared more intense than usual, speaking at a rapid and forceful pace. Some viewers commented on social media that the delivery felt unusual, prompting a response from Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a cardiologist and professor at George Washington University.
In a post on X, Dr. Reiner said he was concerned about the former president’s condition based on the speech’s delivery. He later elaborated during a CNN appearance, describing the cadence as unusually fast and increasingly pressured as the speech went on. He emphasized that his comments were focused on the manner of delivery rather than the substance of Trump’s remarks.
According to Reiner, the pace and intensity of the speech made it difficult to watch, particularly given Trump’s past role as commander-in-chief. He also referenced previous public reports suggesting Trump appeared drowsy during meetings, noting that excessive daytime sleepiness can sometimes be associated with sleep-related conditions. However, no official medical information has been released confirming any such diagnosis.
Dr. Reiner stressed that greater transparency regarding a public figure’s health can help avoid speculation, adding that the contrast between moments of apparent fatigue and periods of high energy may raise questions among observers.
The Trump campaign and the White House have not commented on Reiner’s remarks.