White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt sharply criticized The New York Times this week, accusing the newspaper and one of its reporters of applying a double standard when covering the health of President Donald Trump compared to former President Joe Biden.

Leavitt’s remarks came during a press briefing after the Times published a story suggesting that Trump, now 79, may be showing signs of fatigue and age while serving in office. The article, written by White House reporter Katie Rogers along with journalist Dylan Freedman, argued that Trump has maintained a lighter public schedule than during his first term and has appeared more tired during recent appearances.

The piece, titled “Signs of Fatigue: Trump Faces Realities of Aging in Office,” drew immediate pushback from the White House. Leavitt dismissed the claims outright, calling the reporting misleading and politically motivated.

Before ending the briefing, Leavitt singled out the article as an example of what she described as “fake news,” arguing that it selectively framed Trump’s schedule to cast doubt on his fitness for office.

She also pointed out that the same reporter previously defended President Biden’s health after a widely circulated incident in 2021, when Biden stumbled while climbing the stairs to Air Force One. At the time, the Times ran a headline stating that Biden was “doing 100 percent fine,” citing comments from then–White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

“That was the same outlet and the same reporter,” Leavitt said, noting what she described as an inconsistency in how the newspaper treats different presidents. “Now they’re suddenly questioning President Trump’s fitness? You all see him almost every day. He is, without question, the most accessible president in modern history.”

The 2021 article referenced by Leavitt quoted Jean-Pierre attributing Biden’s stumble to strong winds at Joint Base Andrews. Video footage showed Biden falling forward on the steps of the aircraft and briefly losing his balance again before kneeling. Despite the footage, the White House insisted at the time that Biden was unharmed and in good condition.

Leavitt argued that the Times undermined its own credibility by minimizing concerns about Biden’s health while now amplifying speculative claims about Trump.

“You can’t have it both ways,” she said. “The American people remember what they were told then, and they can see what’s happening now with their own eyes.”

The recent Times article noted that Trump has held fewer large-scale public events and maintains a more condensed daily schedule compared to his first term. It also cited an instance in which Trump allegedly appeared to briefly nod off during a November 6 event related to weight-loss medications. Additionally, the article suggested that Trump has not fully disclosed details surrounding certain medical tests.

The White House strongly disputed those claims. Leavitt said Trump’s health has been thoroughly documented and reviewed by medical professionals and emphasized that multiple physician reports have already been made public.

She pointed to Trump’s most recent annual physical examination in April, after which his doctor concluded that the president demonstrates strong cognitive function and sound physical health. According to the White House, Trump has consistently passed all required evaluations without issue.

Leavitt also addressed speculation surrounding a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan Trump underwent in October. She confirmed that the scan was part of a routine medical assessment conducted at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and said the results showed no abnormalities.

The president himself previously spoke publicly about the MRI, describing the results as “perfect.” He said the test was conducted as part of a comprehensive checkup and stressed that there were no medical concerns.

“I had an MRI — and it came back perfect,” Trump said at the time. “Everything was perfect.”

According to the White House, the MRI performed on October 10 was simply one element of a broader series of routine medical evaluations that began earlier in the year. Officials emphasized that there was nothing unusual or concerning about the procedure and rejected any suggestion that information had been withheld.

Leavitt concluded her remarks by reiterating that Trump remains fully capable of carrying out the responsibilities of the presidency and accused parts of the media of attempting to shape a narrative rather than report facts.

“The president’s health is not a mystery,” she said. “It has been documented, evaluated, and confirmed by professionals. The rest is speculation — and the American people deserve better than that.”

The exchange adds to ongoing tensions between the White House and major media outlets, particularly as questions surrounding leadership, transparency, and age continue to surface in political coverage.