Ahead of the Christmas celebrations, former President Bill Clinton has been hospitalized for medical care, prompting widespread concern among his supporters and close associates. Clinton was admitted to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC, on the afternoon of Monday, December 23, after developing a fever. His spokesperson confirmed the news to CNN, stating that Clinton is undergoing tests and observation but remains “awake and alert.”
According to Angel Urena, Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, the former president is in good spirits and hopeful to return home by Christmas. “The president is fine,” Urena assured, adding that Clinton deeply appreciates the excellent care he is receiving from the medical team. News of the hospitalization quickly spread throughout Clinton’s wide network of allies, with a longtime associate emphasizing that his condition was “not urgent or dire by any means.”
Clinton, who was at his Washington residence when his symptoms prompted medical evaluation, is expected to remain in the hospital at least overnight for further monitoring. This latest hospitalization follows a long history of significant medical challenges for the 42nd president of the United States.
In 2004, Clinton underwent quadruple coronary bypass surgery after doctors discovered life-threatening blockages in his arteries. The procedure, which took four hours, rerouted blood flow around four arteries that were over 90% blocked. Following the surgery, Dr. Allan Schwartz, the hospital’s chief of cardiology, revealed that Clinton had been at risk of a heart attack in the near future, despite attributing his symptoms to acid reflux and a lack of exercise. Clinton’s family expressed relief after the successful surgery, with his wife, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, thanking the medical team for their care.
Clinton’s health continued to be a concern in the years following his surgery. In 2005, he sought treatment for a partially collapsed lung, and in 2010, he required emergency surgery to insert two stents after a vein from his bypass surgery failed. These health challenges led Clinton to adopt a vegan diet and a healthier lifestyle, which he credited for helping him lose over 30 pounds and improve his energy levels. Clinton expressed in a 2013 interview that his decision to change his diet was motivated by his desire to live a long, healthy life, particularly to see his grandchildren grow up.
Despite these setbacks, Clinton remained active in public life, campaigning for Democratic candidates and promoting his latest book, Citizen: My Life After the White House. His recent hospitalization, however, has sparked renewed concern, particularly given his history of health struggles.
As Clinton continues his treatment and observation, his team has reassured the public that he is in good spirits and optimistic for a quick recovery. With Christmas just days away, Clinton’s supporters are hopeful that he will soon be back on his feet, marking the holiday with his loved ones.