Ben Terris: "Visiting A Parallel Universe" - The Gist Recap
Podcast: The Gist
Published: 2026-02-13
Duration: 40 minutes
Guests: Ben Terris
Summary
Mike Pesca dissects Judge Richard Leon's ruling against Pete Hegseth's attempt to strip Senator Mark Kelly of his rank, calling it 'horse feathers.' Ben Terris discusses his New York Magazine piece on Donald Trump's health, exploring the complexities of public perception and media coverage.
What Happened
Judge Richard Leon ruled against Pete Hegseth in a case that attempted to diminish Senator Mark Kelly's rank, asserting that it was a violation of First Amendment rights. Mike Pesca strongly criticized this attempt, describing it as 'horse feathers,' underscoring the importance of protecting legislators' freedom of expression.
Ben Terris joined the episode to discuss his investigative piece for New York Magazine on the health of Donald Trump. Terris conducted a 40-minute interview with Trump in the Oval Office and spoke with members of Trump's inner circle, including Marco Rubio and Stephen Miller, to ascertain the truth about Trump's health.
The episode touches on rumors and memes suggesting Trump might be in poor health, including unverified claims of an ischemic stroke. Despite these rumors, Trump's supporters maintain that he is in excellent health, while critics suggest the opposite.
Trump reportedly takes a high dosage of aspirin daily, which he claims is responsible for the bruising on his hands. His doctors provided scripted responses during interviews, attributing his swollen ankles to circulatory issues and recommending more walking.
Ben Terris explores the difficulty in assessing Trump's mental acuity, particularly when his inner circle remains committed to a narrative that supports his robust health. John Gartner, a Johns Hopkins affiliated doctor, has previously claimed Trump exhibits symptoms of dementia, but these claims have not been vigorously investigated by the media.
The presidency, according to some, seems to invigorate Trump, which is contrary to the common belief that it ages presidents. Steve Bannon suggests Trump derives significant 'BDE' from being president, indicating his reluctance to relinquish the role.
Despite concerns about his health and mental acuity, Trump continues to wield considerable influence within the Republican Party. Eric Trump believes his father will be more of a kingmaker than a candidate for a third term, a view that highlights Trump's enduring political presence.
Key Insights
- Judge Richard Leon's ruling against Pete Hegseth emphasized the protection of legislators' First Amendment rights, as Hegseth's attempt to downgrade Senator Mark Kelly's rank was dismissed as 'horse feathers.'
- Donald Trump's daily intake of high-dosage aspirin is his explanation for the bruising on his hands, while his doctors attribute his swollen ankles to circulatory issues, suggesting a complex narrative around his health.
- John Gartner, a doctor affiliated with Johns Hopkins, has pointed to symptoms of dementia in Trump, yet the media has not rigorously pursued these claims, indicating a reluctance to challenge a powerful narrative.
- Despite his controversial health status, Trump's influence within the Republican Party remains strong, with Eric Trump suggesting that his father will wield more power as a kingmaker than as a candidate.
Key Questions Answered
What was Judge Richard Leon's ruling on Pete Hegseth's case?
Judge Richard Leon ruled against Pete Hegseth's attempt to strip Senator Mark Kelly of his rank, emphasizing it as a violation of First Amendment rights for legislators.
What health concerns are associated with Donald Trump as mentioned in the episode?
Concerns about Donald Trump's health include rumors of an ischemic stroke and his daily high aspirin intake, which he claims causes bruising on his hands.
How does Steve Bannon describe Donald Trump's attachment to the presidency?
Steve Bannon claims Donald Trump derives significant 'BDE' from being president and suggests that this attachment makes him reluctant to leave the role.