As Christmas approaches, former President Bill Clinton is receiving medical attention, with updates on his condition shared by close associates.
On Monday afternoon, December 23, Clinton was admitted to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC, after experiencing a fever, his spokesman confirmed to CNN. An aide reported that he is undergoing tests and observation but remains “awake and alert.”
“The president is doing well,” said Angel Urena, Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, noting that Clinton is optimistic about returning home in time for Christmas. “He’s in good spirits and is deeply grateful for the exceptional care he’s receiving.”
News of Clinton’s hospitalization, so close to Christmas, quickly circulated among his extensive network of allies. A longtime associate reassured that his condition was “not critical or life-threatening in any way.”
Clinton was at his residence in Washington when concerns about his condition led to a medical evaluation. He is expected to remain in the hospital overnight for continued observation.
This hospitalization comes after a history of serious medical issues for the 42nd president. In 2004, Clinton underwent quadruple coronary bypass surgery at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York after doctors identified severe arterial blockages that posed a significant risk to his health.
The four-hour surgery, performed by Dr. Craig R. Smith, successfully redirected blood flow around four arteries that were more than 90% blocked. “There was a significant risk that he could have suffered a major heart attack in the near future,” Dr. Allan Schwartz, the hospital’s chief of cardiology, stated during a press conference following the procedure.
During the procedure, Clinton’s heart was stopped for 73 minutes while a heart-lung machine maintained circulation. Dr. Allan Schwartz noted that Clinton had initially dismissed his symptoms—mild chest tightness and shortness of breath—as insignificant, attributing them to acid reflux and a lack of regular exercise.
Clinton’s family expressed gratitude and relief after the surgery. “Chelsea and I are deeply thankful to God and to the exceptional medical team and staff at New York-Presbyterian Hospital for the outstanding care they provided to my husband,” Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton said at the time.
Happy Anniversary, Hillary. It’s been an amazing 49 years. Here’s to many more! pic.twitter.com/vmK8Wmhmgi
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) October 11, 2024
In 2005, Clinton faced another health challenge when he underwent treatment for a partially collapsed lung. Five years later, in 2010, he required emergency surgery to place two stents after a vein from his previous bypass surgery failed. This health scare motivated him to adopt a vegan diet and commit to a healthier lifestyle.
Reflecting on his decision in a 2013 interview with AARP The Magazine, Clinton said, “I realized I was a high-risk individual, and I didn’t want to take any more chances. I wanted to live long enough to be a grandfather.”
Clinton admitted that the dietary shift wasn’t without its difficulties. “What I found toughest wasn’t giving up meat, turkey, chicken, or fish—it was letting go of yogurt and hard cheese. I loved those, but making that change had a significant impact,” he shared.
Clinton attributed his lifestyle change to losing more than 30 pounds and boosting his energy levels. “I made the decision because my work in health and wellness has become increasingly important to me,” he explained, emphasizing his dedication to encouraging healthier living through initiatives with the Clinton Foundation.
Despite maintaining his health for years with a vegan diet, Clinton experienced another health challenge in 2021 when he was hospitalized for six days in Los Angeles due to a urological infection that had spread to his bloodstream.
Despite his health setbacks, Clinton has continued to stay active in public life. Last fall, he campaigned energetically and spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. More recently, he has been focused on promoting his latest book, Citizen: My Life After the White House.
My new memoir CITIZEN is officially out! There’s nothing like seeing a book you’ve been working on for years finally get into people’s hands. Pick up your copy today: https://t.co/krkQUQaIbP pic.twitter.com/1Q7xy4i68n
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) November 19, 2024
While the former president remains under observation, his team has reassured the public that he is in good spirits, offering optimism for a swift recovery.
