Jon Stewart Critiques Trump’s Media Claims on Health Reports

Jon Stewart has sharply criticized former President Donald Trump’s recent assertion that media reports on his health are “seditious, perhaps even treasonous.” This remark came after an article in The New York Times indicated that Trump is exhibiting “signs of fatigue.” During the latest episode of his podcast, The Weekly Show, Stewart humorously suggested that Trump is the “healthiest, most robust president” in U.S. history, quipping about the idea that “the thicker the ankle, the better the balance.”

Stewart elaborated on Trump’s expectations of loyalty from those around him, stating, “For Donald Trump, the level of fealty can never rise to a level that is satisfactory for him. There is no level of ass-kissing you can do.” The Times article, authored by reporters Katie Rogers and Dylan Freedman, noted that Trump has been working “shorter days” and finds it increasingly difficult to maintain an image of “round-the-clock energy, virility and physical stamina.”

In recent weeks, concerns about Trump’s health and cognitive fitness have intensified, fueled by reports of his apparent mid-meeting naps and discussions surrounding his MRI results. Addressing these reports on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump expressed frustration, claiming, “There’s never been a President that has worked as hard as me,” and insisted that his hours are the “longest” with “results among the best.”

Stewart remarked on the irony of Trump’s complaint, noting that even criticism from Fox News—a network known for its support of the former president—was not immune to his scrutiny. He described Fox as a “24-hour-a-day, ball-washing machine for Trump,” designed to maintain his power. Stewart emphasized that Trump’s definition of seditious behavior is simply any dissent that falls short of unwavering loyalty. “Anything below that, obviously, is seditious and none of us measure up, unfortunately,” he said.

Reflecting on the burden of wealth and power, Stewart poignantly remarked, “It’s sad and so hard to be a billionaire president.” He drew a vivid analogy, stating, “Money corrupts and power corrupts, and to have all the money and all the power—it’s like if ‘Lord of the Rings’ ended where they’re going to drop the ring into the fire and then instead of hitting the fire, he catches it.” This commentary captured the challenges faced by someone in such a position, suggesting that the public does not fully appreciate the struggles that accompany immense power.

The discussion on Stewart’s podcast underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding Trump’s health and his relationship with the media, as public interest continues to mount. The portrayal of Trump’s health in the media remains a contentious topic, reflecting broader concerns about transparency and accountability in political leadership.