Trump Slams NYT Report: 'Seditious' and 'Treasonous'
President Donald Trump holds a press conference with Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room on Friday, June 27, 2025. Official White House photo by Molly Riley. Public domain.
President Donald Trump has launched a blistering attack on The New York Times, accusing the publication of "sedition" and "treason" over its recent reporting on his health. The president's explosive claims came in a lengthy post on Truth Social, where he called the Times and other media outlets "true Enemies of the People" and suggested that their coverage was a deliberate attempt to "libel and demean" him, as reported by The Independent. But what sparked this fierce backlash, and how does it fit into the broader clash between media scrutiny and political rhetoric?
A Fiery Response to Health Reports
The controversy ignited after The New York Times reportedly published an opinion piece questioning Trump's vigor and fitness for office. Opinion writer Frank Bruni noted that the 79-year-old president's approval ratings had dipped alongside his apparent energy levels, drawing comparisons to President Joe Biden's health concerns during his final term. Bruni's article suggested that Americans might be bracing for "presidential déjà vu," as reported by The Hill, implying that Trump's stamina was waning.
In response, Trump vehemently denied any decline, insisting that no president had ever worked as hard as he has. He reportedly highlighted his long hours and touted his administration's achievements, including economic growth and ending conflicts abroad. Yet, he framed the Times' reporting as not just inaccurate but as "seditious, perhaps even treasonous," accusing the paper of publishing "FAKE reports" to undermine his presidency, as reported by The Independent.
The Details Behind the Reporting
The New York Times' coverage went beyond opinion, with reporters Katie Rogers and Dylan Freedman analyzing Trump's public schedule. Their findings reportedly revealed a nearly 40% drop in his official appearances compared to the same period during his first term. They also noted that Trump's events often started later in the day, and on occasion, he appeared to doze off during a Cabinet meeting. The White House dismissed these observations, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt asserting that the president was "listening attentively," as reported by The Independent.
The Times defended its reporting, reprotedly emphasizing that it is based on interviews with people close to the president and medical experts. The paper stated that Americans deserve "in-depth reporting and regular updates about the health of the leaders they elect," and vowed not to be deterred by what it called "false and inflammatory language," as reported by The Hill.
The Legal and Political Stakes
Trump's accusations carry weight beyond mere rhetoric. He is reportedly suing The New York Times for $15 billion, alleging defamation and claiming the outlet sought to damage his 2024 presidential campaign and business reputation. The Times has dismissed the lawsuit as baseless and accused Trump of attempting to stifle independent journalism.
The president's use of terms like "sedition" and "treason" has drawn attention from legal experts and journalists alike. Federal law defines treason as levying war against the United States or aiding its enemies, while seditious conspiracy involves plotting to overthrow or oppose the government by force. Critics argue that Trump's broad application of these terms to media reporting stretches their legal meaning.
The Times' publisher, A.G. Sulzberger, addressed similar accusations in 2019, calling them "irresponsible and wrong," as reported by CNN. He underscored the importance of a free press in holding leaders accountable and rejected the notion that critical reporting constitutes treason.
Polarized Reactions and the Media's Role
Trump's combative stance has rallied his supporters, who see his denunciations as a defense against what they perceive as biased media attacks. His followers applaud his refusal to back down, viewing the president's fight as a stand against a hostile press environment.
On the other hand, many journalists and media watchdogs see Trump's language as an escalation that threatens press freedom. The Times and other outlets maintain that their reporting is grounded in facts and serves the public interest. They argue that scrutiny of a president's health is a legitimate and necessary part of democratic oversight.
The tension highlights a broader struggle over the boundaries of political discourse and the role of the media in a polarized society. Trump's insistence on portraying himself as indefatigable contrasts with the documented evidence of reduced public activity and moments of apparent fatigue. Meanwhile, the media's persistent focus on his health reflects ongoing public concern about the fitness of national leaders.
The President's Medical Records and Public Image
Trump has pointed to his medical examinations at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as proof of his health. He claims to have received "perfect marks" on cardiovascular and cognitive tests, emphasizing that these assessments are supervised by top doctors, as reported by The Independent.
Despite these assertions, some outside medical experts have questioned the transparency and completeness of the information released. The White House's characterization of Trump's health as "excellent" and "exceptional" contrasts with the Times' reporting on his reduced public engagements and visible signs of fatigue, as reported by CNN.
What Comes Next?
As the legal battles continue and the political climate heats up, the dispute between Trump and The New York Times shows no signs of cooling. The president's aggressive rhetoric raises questions about the limits of free speech and the responsibilities of the press. Meanwhile, the media's role in scrutinizing the health of elected officials remains a critical, if contentious, part of American democracy.
Whether Trump's accusations will lead to any concrete action or simply deepen the divide between the White House and the press is yet to be seen. For now, the public is left to navigate a landscape where facts, accusations, and political theater collide in a high-stakes battle over truth and power.
References: Trump rages that New York Times and others are 'seditious ... even treasonous' to report that he's not in great health | The Independent | Analysis: Trump's 'treason' attack shows how deeply the NYT's aging report stung | CNN Business | Trump rips NY Times over 'seditious' reporting about his health
