Why are White House staff reportedly monitoring Donald Trump’s trash? New book makes unusual claims
New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan’s upcoming book raises questions about Donald TrumpCustom within the White House, claims staff are required to monitor the president’s trash after he repeatedly discarded sterling silverware.
The accusations emerged in Regime Change: Inside Donald Trump’s Imperial Presidency.
Whether it’s Trump or White House has publicly responded to the specific claims detailed in the book.
Book says staff watched Trump’s trash
Trump was known as a late-night snacker, often leaving behind empty potato chip bags, Starbucks wrappers and ice cream cartons, according to excerpts from the book.
Haberman and Swann wrote that White House staff eventually began inspecting the trash after discovering that Trump sometimes threw away White House sterling silver dinnerware along with its packaging.
“A lover of nightly snacks, the president often leaves an array of empty potato chip bags, Starbucks wrappers and ice cream cartons in trash cans or on the floor,” the authors write.
Also read: Trump health update: US president ‘wobbly’ at NBA Finals, sparking new concerns
They added: “Staff had to start monitoring trash after it was discovered that he sometimes threw away White House sterling silver dinnerware.”
Claims come amid review of Trump’s health
The book’s claims come as Trump’s health remains under public scrutiny following his annual physical earlier this year.
According to medical records released by the White House, Trump, who turned 80 earlier this month, weighed 238 pounds, 14 pounds more than when he had a physical examination in April 2025.
His physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, said the president underwent CT scans, cardiac imaging, cancer screenings and other preventive evaluations by 22 experts.
After the inspection, Trump said the results were “perfect.”
His medical team also recommended improvements his dietdaily exercise and weight management, but concluded that his “cognitive and physical performance was outstanding.”
Trump is 6 feet 3 inches tall and has a body mass index (BMI) of 29.7, just below the clinical threshold of 30 that is classified as obese.
Also read: Trump health update: White House shares full report on president’s lab tests, lungs, heart health
Fast food preferences and bruises
Trump has long been known for his love of fast food, especially McDonald’s. He also made headlines earlier this year for arranging DoorDash deliveries to the Oval Office for White House meals.
In recent months, attention has also focused on the visible and recurring bruises on the president’s hands. A new purple mark appeared on his left hand during the G7 summit in France earlier this week.
The White House attributed the bruising to frequent handshakes and Trump’s regular use of aspirin. However, the markings continue to fuel speculation online.
