President Donald Trump is facing renewed criticism after recounting a conversation in which he insulted an overweight friend, telling him he was "extremely obese" and "look[s] like shit." Trump made the remarks Wednesday during an event in the White House Rose Garden with Republican lawmakers, discussing what he referred to as "the fat drug."
Trump described the friend as "very, very heavy" and "a very obese person" who was complaining about the cost of medication in the U.S. compared to Europe. The friend, Trump said, had asked him not to reveal his name, fearing it would "destroy his reputation."
This is not the first time Trump has shared similar anecdotes. He has a history of making public comments about the weight of others, including political opponents and acquaintances.
The remarks come amid ongoing public discussion of Trump's own weight. White House records have previously indicated his Body Mass Index (BMI) is 29.7, placing him at the upper end of the "overweight" category and just below the threshold for obesity. His physician has reportedly provided "preventive counseling" on diet and weight loss.
Trump's diet has frequently been a topic of discussion. Reports have described his eating habits as including fast food, candy, and diet soda. Journalists have also reported finding wrappers from snacks and ice cream cartons in his vicinity at the White House.
Critics quickly responded to Trump's comments, highlighting what they called a disconnect between his remarks and his own physical condition. Social media reactions pointed to the irony of him criticizing someone's appearance while facing similar public scrutiny. Commentators also raised concerns about the stability and cognitive health conveyed by such public statements from a former president.