A podiatrist from New York reportedly assisted Donald Trump in avoiding the Vietnam War draft by diagnosing him with bone spurs, as revealed by the late doctor’s daughters. Dr. Larry Braunstein, who practiced in Queens until his passing in 2007, allegedly provided the diagnosis as a favor to Trump’s father, Fred Trump. Dr. Elysa Braunstein and Sharon Kessel shared with the New York Times that their father often recounted this story within their family and social circles.
While no supporting documents were found by the newspaper, Dr. Braunstein’s daughters mentioned uncertainty regarding whether their father had actually examined Donald Trump. Records show that Dr. Braunstein leased his surgery from Fred Trump in Jamaica, Queens during the 1960s. The daughters confirmed that their father issued the bone spurs diagnosis to please the elder Trump, granting him access to the influential figure.
Dr. Elysa Braunstein suggested that the diagnosis may have been a gesture to maintain a favorable relationship with Fred Trump. She also hinted that President Trump may not have genuinely suffered from the foot condition he was diagnosed with back in 1968, shortly after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to this exemption, Trump had evaded the draft multiple times while focusing on his education.
In a 2016 interview, Trump recalled receiving a strong medical letter concerning his heel spurs, which he presented to draft officials. However, he couldn’t recall the identity of the doctor who provided the letter. Heel spurs are caused by calcium deposits on the heel bone, with treatment options including exercises, orthotic devices, or surgery.
President Trump has stated that he never underwent surgery for the condition. Concerns about his health arose during his second term, with his medical team revealing a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency this summer. This condition affects the veins in the limbs, potentially causing swelling and discomfort.
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