MS NOW host Katy Tur asserted that President Donald Trump is engaging in more public activity than former President Joe Biden, despite a New York Times report hinting at Trump’s physical fatigue. Tur, during a podcast, pointed out that Trump, who is the oldest elected president ever at 78, constantly makes himself visible through press conferences, public events, and his continued engagement in international affairs. She remarked that Trump is still active with overseas travel, and is not slowing down compared to his age, unlike Biden, who was 77 when he won the 2020 race.
Tur emphasized that discussions about the topic should be relative to Trump’s own efforts, not Biden’s, suggesting that the focus should be on the current president’s performance. She noted that Biden’s cognitive decline had led to his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, and Trump has since broken Biden’s record as the oldest elected president. The report by the New York Times found that Trump’s schedule has seen a reduction in public appearances compared to his first term, and he typically appears between noon and 5 p.m., which is a shift from his earlier schedule.
Trump, however, dismissed the Times’ report as a ‘hit piece,’ and accused the newspaper of personal insults and name-calling, even though the article maintained its factual grounding and defended the accuracy of its reporting. The Times reaffirmed that its reporting is correct and that journalists will continue to cover the administration regardless of intimidation, such as Trump’s social media posts. Tur further described her own experience with Biden, where one could not understand the former president’s speech during a Christmas party, indicating a contrast in their public appearances and visibility.
The article highlights the ongoing political discourse surrounding the physical and mental stamina of both presidents, with Tur suggesting that Trump’s engagement is still very much present, despite the signs of aging. This context is set against Trump’s continued public visibility and the media’s scrutiny of his activities, as well as the comparison to Biden’s performance during the previous presidency. The discussion also touches on how the previous administration’s dynamics have influenced the current political landscape, especially regarding the age and health of leaders in public office.