Trump says remark about having serious problems was a joke

US President Donald Trump said a remark about having serious problems was a joke after anticipating that journalists would question what he meant, according to Russian reports on October 15. Kommersant reported that he was speaking to journalists about his lack of interest in drinking, smoking and drugs when he said he had other serious problems. He then smiled and said he had given the media an opening to speculate about the remark. [ 2 ]

RIA Novosti placed the appearance in the White House Rose Garden, where Trump was addressing emergency-services personnel about the drug crisis and harmful habits. It reported that he said he had never drunk alcohol, smoked or taken illegal drugs. After mentioning other serious problems, Trump turned to Attorney General Todd Blanche and suggested Blanche would have to defend him against the questions the press would ask. Trump then said he did not know what those problems were and had simply been joking. RIA Novosti said he gave no further explanation before continuing his remarks. [ 3 ]

Kommersant also reported Trump's clarification that he was teasing the media rather than identifying particular problems. Its account added that he turned 80 during the summer and that the White House periodically releases information about his health. The newspaper said a medical assessment described his physical and mental abilities as normal. It also reported criticism from practising doctors consulted by The Wall Street Journal and another outlet, who said the assessment omitted important cardiovascular information. The report did not connect a specific diagnosis to Trump's remark. [ 2 ]