On Wednesday, Kari Lake accused mainstream media of fixating on President Donald Trump’s health while ignoring what she described as obvious signs of decline from former President Joe Biden during his administration.
During an appearance on “Rob Schmitt Tonight,” Lake stated the media demonstrated a double standard in its treatment of Trump, who turns 80 on June 14, compared with Biden, who was 82 when he left office as the oldest serving U.S. president.
“You know, it was ‘Weekend at Bernie’s’ for four years. The media ignored everything,” Lake said, noting that she has been nominated by Trump to serve as U.S. ambassador to Jamaica.
Lake referenced widely circulated moments from Biden’s presidency, including instances in which critics claimed he appeared confused or disoriented.
“Remember that video of our former president, President Biden, walking on the lawn of the White House and not finding the door?” she said. “Or what about when he was having a conversation and seemed to lose focus and start talking to the Easter Bunny?”
Lake added, “If that happened to President Trump, the media would lose their mind.”
Instead, she argued reporters have focused heavily on Trump’s recent medical issues, including swelling in his ankles and a dental visit.
“Instead, they’re freaking out because he has a dental visit or his ankles are swollen,” she said. “I travel across the country. When I go back home to Arizona after a long flight, I get swollen ankles. It happens.”
The comments follow Trump’s recent medical evaluation at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
White House physician Sean Barbabella has consistently described Trump as being in “excellent health” and “fully fit” to serve as commander in chief.
Lake defended Trump’s stamina and work ethic, noting his demanding travel schedule: “This is a president who travels 12-, 13-, or 14-hour flights nonstop. He sleeps four hours a night. He works harder than anyone in the country. I challenge you to find one person who works harder.”
“President Trump is healthy as an ox,” she said. “He’s strong as an ox. He has more vim and vigor than anybody in the media. They should be ashamed of themselves for not covering the previous administration with any critique.”
