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Trump's Bone Spurs Diagnosis: A Family Secret Revealed

3/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump was diagnosed with bone spurs by Dr. Larry Braunstein, reportedly as a favor to Fred Trump, per his daughters.
Trump's daughters described the diagnosis as "family lore" frequently discussed among relatives.
The disclosure adds context to Trump's military deferments, which included four before his medical exemption.
He claimed a doctor provided a strong draft letter but could not recall the physician's name in 2016.

History

Historical Context

During the Vietnam War, the U.S. military draft intensified, leading many young men to seek deferments. Donald Trump received multiple deferments, including one for bone spurs diagnosed in 1972, which has sparked controversy regarding his military service claims. This issue reflects broader societal debates about privilege and accountability, as over half of the 27 million eligible men were deferred or exempted during the conflict.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump was diagnosed with bone spurs by Dr. Larry Braunstein, reportedly as a favor to Fred Trump, per his daughters.
Trump's daughters described the diagnosis as "family lore" frequently discussed among relatives.
The disclosure adds context to Trump's military deferments, which included four before his medical exemption.
He claimed a doctor provided a strong draft letter but could not recall the physician's name in 2016.

1 / 2