The late father of the daughters of a foot doctor based in New York reportedly diagnosed President Trump with bone spurs to assist him in avoiding the Vietnam War draft. Dr. Larry Braunstein, a podiatrist who practiced in Queens and passed away in 2007, allegedly identified Trump’s condition as a favor to his father, Fred Trump. Dr. Elysa Braunstein and Sharon Kessel, the daughters of the deceased doctor, shared with the New York Times that their father frequently recounted this story within their family and social circle.
According to Elysa Braunstein, the account was a well-known family anecdote that was regularly discussed. The revelation comes in light of information about a chronic condition that Trump had been diagnosed with, as experts provide insights into the ailment. Despite the family’s claims, The Times did not uncover any documentation supporting their narrative.
Elysa Braunstein expressed uncertainty about whether her father had ever personally assessed Donald Trump. Records obtained by The Times indicate that Dr. Braunstein leased his office from Fred Trump in Jamaica, Queens during the 1960s. The daughters reiterated that their father’s diagnosis of bone spurs was a gesture of goodwill towards Fred Trump, enabling him to establish a connection with the elder Trump and receive prompt assistance with any building issues.
Elysa Braunstein indicated that her father hinted that President Trump did not actually suffer from a foot ailment. Trump was reportedly diagnosed with bone spurs in his heels in 1968 after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania at the age of 22. Prior to this medical exemption, Trump had deferred military service on four occasions while pursuing his education.
In a 2016 interview with The Times, Trump mentioned receiving a strong letter from a doctor regarding his heel spurs to present to draft officials. However, he could not recall the physician’s identity during the same interview. Heel spurs are calcified growths on the heel bone that can be managed through exercises, orthotics, or surgery. President Trump confirmed that he had not undergone surgery for this condition.
Concerns about President Trump’s health have persisted since his reelection, with his administration revealing this summer that he had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition affecting the veins in the limbs and potentially causing swelling, throbbing, and discomfort.