Donald Trump’s weight is under the spotlight again: ‘He could do a better job with his diet’
A recent medical report from the White House shows Trump has gained weight during his second term as President
© Getty Images
Maria LoretoSenior Writer
AUGUST 24, 2026 1:10 PM EDTAUG 24, 2026, 1:10 PM EDT
President Donald Trump has inspired much commentary on his health. From his sleepy demeanor in meetings to the notorious spot on the back of his hand, as Trump continues to age under the public eye, the media pays more attention to his health. According to new reports, Trump has gained weight during his second presidency, sparking some commentary on the health risks of obesity.
© Getty Images
A report published in The Washington Post notes that Trump was weighing 238 pounds in May, making him about a pound shy of being classified as obese according to his height.
“We know that obesity is a strong risk factor for numerous health issues — as well as premature disability and death,” said Scott Kahan, the director for the National Center for Weight and Wellness. “Addressing obesity to protect the president’s health should be a priority similar to ensuring Secret Service protections for his life.”
© Getty Images
RELATED:Continue reading
Despite his weight, physicians note that Trump remains just as involved in his job as he used to be, appearing in press briefings and standing throughout his lengthy speeches. All of this suggests he’s aging healthily. Some physicians have compared him to former President Joe Biden, who, despite having a weight deemed healthy by most metrics, was aging more notably than Trump.
“President Trump’s sharpness, unmatched energy, relentless work ethic and historic accessibility stand in stark contrast to what we saw during the last administration when Democrats and the legacy media intentionally covered up Joe Biden’s serious mental and physical decline from the American people,” said spokesman Davis Ingle in a statement.
© ALEX WROBLEWSKI
What Trump has said about his weight
Trump has addressed his weight numerous times over the years, whether in passing or by jokes. He’s made it clear he loves fast food and is not a big fan of exercise aside from his frequent trips to the golf course.
In a recent appearance on Usha Vance’s podcast “Storytime with the Second Lady,” Trump addressed his weight once more, invoking President William Howard Taft. “He was our heaviest president, and I have to be careful because I don’t want to supersede his record,” he said. “And a thing like that would be possible if I allowed it to happen.”
Taft is recorded as weighing over 350 pounds near the end of his presidency. He reportedly lost between 70 and 80 pounds after leaving the White House, a feat he achieved by sticking to a low-carb, high-protein diet.
© Getty Images
