Trump’s former personal doctor dies at 73

Harold Bornstein, the former personal doctor of President Trump who once claimed he would be the healthiest individual to ever assume the presidency, has died at the age of 73.

Bornstein’s death was disclosed in a paid obituary in The New York Times published on Thursday that states that Bornstein died last Friday. It does not disclose the cause of his death.

Bornstein attracted attention when he wrote a letter in December 2015 during Trump’s first presidential campaign that repeatedly described then-candidate Trump’s health as “excellent” and stated “unequivocally” that Trump would “be the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency” if elected.

Bornstein later told CNN in 2018 that Trump had actually dictated the letter to him.

“He dictated that whole letter. I didn’t write that letter,” Bornstein said. “I just made it up as I went along.” 

His obituary says that Bornstein’s family and friends will hold a private service for him due to the coronavirus pandemic. It does not mention his work as Trump’s former physician, and describes him as a devoted doctor, husband, and father. 

“Dr. Bornstein devoted his life to the practice of medicine, which he regarded as a sacred privilege. His devotion to his patients was unparalleled and he continued a traditional style of personal medicine, making house calls and holding the hands of those in need until the end,” the obituary states.

“Dr. Bornstein was a force of nature who brought joy to his family, friends and everyone he encountered in life, and continues to do so in memory,” it continues.

Bornstein served as Trump’s personal physician from 1980 to 2017, according to the Times, but was alienated from the president’s circle after he told the newspaper that Trump was taking medication for hair growth.