Full Breakdown
Trump attacks New York Times book, touts “perfect physical” amid health debate
7/12/2026, 4:38:45 AM
Core Event: Trump’s social-media tirade against “Regime Change”
On July 11, 2026 former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he had “just finished a perfect physical at Walter Reed, I do it every six months, and I requested another Cognitive Test, the only President to do so, three times, and I aced them all — Got every question right.” The same post denounced the newly released biography *Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump* as “garbage” and “90 percent…fake news,” while urging followers to boycott the authors’ work.
Background & Context: Book’s origins and health debate
*Regime Change* was released on June 23, 2026. Co-authored by New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, the volume draws on roughly 1,000 interviews—including an on-the-record sit-down with Trump—to chronicle the first 14 months of his second term. The book raises concerns among some White House aides about Trump’s age, stamina and overall physical condition, noting that at 80 years old he is the oldest person ever to serve as U.S. president. Health-related questions have resurfaced in Washington after similar scrutiny of President Joe Biden’s cognitive abilities.
Key Figures & Groups
- Donald Trump – former president, author of the Truth Social post.
- Maggie Haberman – New York Times journalist, co-author of the book.
- Jonathan Swan – New York Times journalist, co-author of the book.
- White House – released a statement confirming Trump’s May physical was “excellent health.”
- U.S. Department of Justice – issued a statement defending press freedom amid subpoenas to Times reporters.
Data & Statistics
- The book has sold over 300,000 copies and ranked #1 on Amazon’s bestseller list as of early July.
- Hardcover editions were reported “being restocked” following the surge in interest.
- The authors claim the manuscript is based on more than 1,000 interviews, including a direct interview with Trump.
Official Statements & Responses
The White House clarified that Trump’s reference was to a physical examination conducted in late May, which the administration described as confirming “excellent health.” The Department of Justice, responding to recent subpoenas targeting Times journalists, said, “We value and appreciate the important role that the press plays in this country.” New York Times attorney David McCraw warned that “the appearance of federal law enforcement agents on the doorstep of news reporters should shock the conscience of any American who believes in the Constitution and the press freedom it protects.”
Criticism & Opposition
Haberman and Swan dismissed Trump’s accusations as a “joke” and emphasized the book’s rigorous sourcing. Haberman told MS NOW’s *The Weekend* that Trump’s health is “like a black box inside that administration,” acknowledging the difficulty of reporting on it. Swan replied to Trump’s claim that “many people disagree with the president’s assessment,” thanking readers for engaging with the book. Their responses highlight a broader clash between the administration’s defensive posture and the press’s effort to document presidential conduct.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Also, I just finished a perfect physical at Walter Reed, I do it every six months, and I requested another Cognitive Test, the only President to do so, three times, and I aced them all — Got every question right.” — Donald Trump, Truth Social post
- “If she ever wrote the true story about me, it would actually be quite boring, but loaded with lots of SUCCESS,” — Donald Trump, Truth Social post
- “Extremely grateful for the interest in our book,” — Maggie Haberman, interview on MS NOW
- “Many people disagree with the president’s assessment. Thanks to you all for reading,” — Jonathan Swan, Truth Social reply
What’s Next
The Justice Department’s subpoenas are set to compel the two Times journalists to appear before a federal grand jury in New York City on the upcoming Wednesday, signaling a continued legal confrontation between the administration and the press.
