President Donald Trump disclosed private details about Rep. Neal Dunn’s medical diagnosis on Monday, including that the Republican was told he would be “dead by June.”
At a Kennedy Center board meeting, the president began discussing House Speaker Mike Johnson’s slim majority, first mentioning former Rep. Doug LaMalfa’s unexpected death, before suggesting that Dunn’s health posed another challenge for the Republican conference.
“We had one man who was very ill, and it looked like he wasn’t going to make it,” Trump said, referring to Dunn, 73. He hesitated at first to name the lawmaker and initially deferred to Johnson to talk about Dunn’s terminal diagnosis.
Johnson replied that it was “grim,” praising Dunn’s determination to work despite his health.
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Trump then interjected: “He would be dead by June,” the president said.
“OK, that wasn’t public,” Johnson replied. Trump, who slapped Johnson on the back while smiling, added that Dunn is suffering from a heart problem.
Dunn’s medical condition is not clear. Johnson said at the board meeting that Trump’s doctors became involved and took Dunn to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for emergency surgery. He added that Dunn has “a new lease on life.”
“I did it for him first, and for the vote second, but it was a close second, actually,” Trump joked.
Johnson told GOP donors last month that Dunn may have a terminal diagnosis, Punchbowl News reported. Dunn, who will not seek reelection in Florida’s 2nd District in November, has said he will not resign before his term ends.
“We respectfully decline any interview or comment requests regarding personal matters, including the Congressman’s health,” a spokesperson for Dunn said. “Dr. Dunn is working as usual and has a full schedule this week, including committee hearings and ongoing legislative priorities.”
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