Did you know that Truthout is a nonprofit and independently funded by readers like you? If you value what we do, please support our work with a donation.
In his first video interview since being diagnosed with coronavirus over a week ago, President Donald Trump will reportedly receive a medical evaluation by Fox News’s medical expert Marc Siegel during “Tucker Carlson Tonight.”
It’s not clear what the evaluation will entail, or whether it will alleviate concerns that many Americans have regarding Trump’s health status. The White House has kept quiet on a number of questions regarding the president’s current condition, and has not told the media whether he’s had a test for COVID-19 since announcing his initial diagnosis.
Many of Trump’s recent interviews with other Fox News personalities have left many viewers questioning whether he’s actually doing better, as the president has frequently claimed throughout the week. Speaking to Sean Hannity on Thursday night, Trump could be heard coughing and clearing his throat.
In spite of those symptoms, Trump told Hannity that he was doing “really good.” He also suggested his condition was improved enough that he may even hold a campaign rally in Florida on Saturday.
CNN health expert Sanjay Gupta said he was concerned after listening to Trump’s interview with Hannity that the president’s health was not improving.
Dexamethasone, the medication that Trump is taking, “usually acts as a very potent anti-inflammatory,” Gupta explained. “That could be masking whatever symptoms he does have, so as you start to take him off steroids, it’s worse.”
“He still sounds sick,” Gupta added.
The skepticism appears warranted, as White House physician Sean Conley admitted to reporters earlier this week that he had initially provided a rosier outlook than what was warranted when Trump was admitted to Walter Reed Medical Center.
Voters overall do not trust Trump to provide an accurate portrayal of his health status. In a recent Yahoo News/YouGov poll conducted earlier this month, just 39 percent said they viewed Trump’s words on his condition as trustworthy, while 52 percent said they could not trust what the president had to say on his health.
An important fundraising appeal: We still need to raise $9,000
Truthout is one of only a few platforms for justice-oriented, grassroots journalism. Today, as political censorship from the right intensifies, we have no choice but to ask for your help.
We are fundraising right now to cover our basic operating expenses. If you can support Truthout with a one-time or monthly donation, you will make a significant impact on our work. Anything you can do makes a difference — we appreciate your support.