The late father of two New York podiatrists has been alleged to have assisted Donald Trump in avoiding the Vietnam War draft by diagnosing him with bone spurs. Dr. Larry Braunstein, who practiced in Queens until his passing in 2007, reportedly provided the diagnosis as a favor to Trump’s father, Fred Trump. The daughters of Dr. Braunstein, Dr. Elysa Braunstein, and Sharon Kessel, shared with the New York Times that their father often recounted this account within their family and social circles.

While no supporting documents were uncovered by the newspaper, Dr. Elysa Braunstein admitted uncertainty about whether her father had indeed examined Donald Trump. Records from the Times revealed that Dr. Braunstein leased his Queens surgery from Fred Trump during the 1960s. Both daughters confirmed that their father issued the bone spurs diagnosis as a gesture of goodwill towards the Trump family.

Dr. Elysa Braunstein mentioned that her father implied President Trump did not actually have a foot condition, despite receiving a medical diagnosis of bone spurs in 1968 at the age of 22. Before this exemption, Trump had evaded the military draft four times while pursuing his education.

Trump mentioned in a 2016 interview that a doctor had provided him with a strong letter regarding the heel spurs, which he submitted to draft authorities. However, he could not recall the physician’s identity when questioned. Heel spurs are bony growths caused by calcium deposits on the heel bone, with treatment options including stretching exercises, orthotic devices, or surgery.

President Trump stated he had never undergone surgery for the ailment. Concerns about his health arose during his second term in office when his medical team disclosed a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that can lead to discomfort, swelling, and throbbing sensations in the arms or legs.