Reporter Ben Terris on Covering President Trump's Health and Inner Circle

Access and the "Superhuman" Narrative

• reporter Ben Terris gained surprising access to President Trump's Oval Office, doctors, and inner circle for a New York Magazine article.
• 💡 The narrative pushed by Trump's team, particularly Steven Miller, was that the president is "superhuman", capable of outworking anyone.
• 🎭 Terris describes the experience as sitting through a series of plays put on by Trump's inner circle, designed to praise and elevate the president.

Navigating Health Scrutiny

• 🔍 Ascertaining the truth about Trump's health is difficult, but reporting on it revealed insights into how he runs his job and the government.
• 🗣️ Trump himself actively wants to discuss his health, aiming to be seen as the healthiest president.
• 📝 Doctors present at meetings held "talking points" and appeared to follow a rehearsed or choreographed approach.

Explaining Physical Symptoms

• 🩺 Swollen ankles, referred to as "cankles," are attributed to a circulatory issue that requires more walking, a form of exercise Trump avoids.
• 🔋 Trump believes his body is like a battery with finite energy, and he avoids unnecessary depletion, even during golf.
• 🩸 Bruising on his hand is explained by his high intake of aspirin to thin his blood, combined with vigorous handshakes and occasional contact with women's rings or fingernails.
• 😴 Occasional nodding off in meetings is claimed by Trump to be due to boredom or long discussions, described by aides as an "active listening face."