Two daughters of a New York foot specialist have alleged that their deceased father assisted Donald Trump in avoiding the Vietnam War draft by diagnosing him with bone spurs.
The late Dr. Larry Braunstein, who practiced in Queens until his passing in 2007, reportedly provided the medical diagnosis as a favor to Trump’s father, Fred Trump, according to a recent report. Dr. Elysa Braunstein and Sharon Kessel, his daughters, disclosed to the New York Times that their father frequently shared this story.
“It was a common story within our family,” Elysa Braunstein told the Times, mentioning that it was a topic often discussed among their relatives and friends.
The newspaper could not find any documents supporting the daughters’ claims. Elysa Braunstein admitted she was unsure whether her father had actually examined Donald Trump.
Records reviewed by the Times indicate that Dr. Braunstein rented his practice in Jamaica, Queens, from Fred Trump in the 1960s. Both daughters informed the publication that their father issued the bone spurs diagnosis as a gesture of goodwill toward the Trump family, as reported by the Mirror US.
“I believe it was a favor,” Elysa Braunstein affirmed to the Times, implying that this “small favor” gave her father special access to Fred Trump.
Elysa Braunstein suggested that her father hinted that President Trump may not have had any foot condition. In 1968, shortly after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Donald Trump received a diagnosis of bone spurs in his heels at 22 years old, as reported by CNN.
Prior to this medical exemption, Trump had avoided the military draft four times while pursuing his education.
During a 2016 interview, Trump recalled that a doctor had provided him with a strong letter regarding his heel condition, which he submitted to draft authorities. However, when questioned, Trump could not recall the doctor’s identity.
Heel spurs are bony outgrowths caused by calcium deposits on the heel bone. Treatment options for this condition include stretching exercises, orthotic devices, or surgery.
The president stated that he never underwent surgery for this ailment.
Concerns about President Trump’s health arose during his second term. His medical team revealed this summer that he has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency.
This vascular condition occurs when the veins in the arms or legs are compromised, leading to swelling, throbbing, and discomfort.
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