Trump to get "routine annual" medical exam at Walter Reed

WASHINGTON — President Trump is scheduled for a doctor's appointment on Tuesday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. This visit will mark Trump's third appointment at the facility in 13 months, and it has raised concerns regarding his health. The White House announced the "routine annual dental and medical assessment" two weeks ago, emphasizing that it is a part of his regular preventive health care.

As Trump approaches his 80th birthday in June, he holds the distinction of being the oldest individual ever to assume the presidency and ranks as the second oldest U.S. president, following President Joe Biden. His age, along with observations of swollen ankles and bruised hands, has led to ongoing scrutiny regarding his health and physical fitness.

Trump's Medical History

Trump's previous annual physical examination took place in April of last year. Shortly thereafter, the President claimed to have "aced" a cognitive test, and a memo released by the White House indicated that he was in "excellent health."

In the months that followed, he returned to Walter Reed for a "scheduled follow-up" in October. This visit reignited concerns about his health. By December, the White House disclosed that Trump underwent a CT scan aimed at further evaluating his "cardiovascular and abdominal health." According to White House physician Capt. Sean Barbabella, the president "remains in excellent overall health."

Despite these assurances, questions regarding Trump's health have continued, especially as footage has shown makeup concealing bruises on his hands and instances of apparent lethargy during public appearances. Addressing the issue directly in January, Trump expressed regret about the October CT scan due to the subsequent speculation and attributed the bruising on his hand to the consumption of excessive aspirin.

Mental and physical acuity have been pivotal elements of Trump's presidential campaign. He frequently referred to Biden as "Sleepy Joe" and critiqued his capability as Commander-in-Chief. During Trump's tenure, Biden visibly slowed and often made verbal missteps—most notably during a presidential debate with Trump in June 2024. Biden subsequently withdrew from the presidential race less than a month later.

The White House has vigorously defended Trump's physical robustness, citing his busy schedule and frequent interactions with the press and global leaders. Over the weekend, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung highlighted Trump's extensive workday while engaged in negotiations for a U.S.-Iran peace deal.

"This man is focused and determined," Cheung stated on X. "Can't stop, won't stop."

Members of Trump's cabinet have also commented on his health throughout his second term. In a podcast interview in January, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reported that CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz reviewed Trump's medical records and concluded he has "the highest testosterone level that he's ever seen for an individual over 70 years old."

Presidents have continuous access to top-notch preventive care and maintain daily contact with White House physicians. Visits to Walter Reed typically involve annual physicals, advanced imaging appointments, and serious health issues—such as Trump's bout with COVID-19 in 2020.

Medical Records and Findings

Last summer, Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that arises when veins are damaged and struggle to effectively return blood to the heart. The White House indicated in a memo that despite this diagnosis, Trump's cardiovascular health remained "excellent."

The latest comprehensive and publicly available medical report on Trump dates back to April 2025. This three-page document revealed several "abnormalities," as noted by Barbabella. One was "scarring on the right ear" resulting from a gunshot wound sustained during the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. Another finding was "diverticulosis and a benign polyp" detected during a colonoscopy completed in July.

The White House physician advised a "follow-up colonoscopy in three years."

This 2025 report indicated that Trump weighs 224 pounds, which is 20 pounds lighter than his weight reported in 2020. Furthermore, his LDL—often referred to as "bad" cholesterol—was recorded within an "optimal" range and lower compared to previous readings in 2020.

In July 2024, Dr. Ronny Jackson, the president's former physician and now a congressman from Texas, released a memo on Trump's health following the Butler assassination attempt. Jackson noted that Trump underwent a "CT of his head" and was "doing well, and he is recovering as expected."

In 2023, Trump shared a brief letter from his doctor that, while lacking extensive medical data, did affirm his weight loss and exceptional performance in cognitive examinations.

Throughout his initial term, Trump underwent multiple physical exams and disclosed his medical records. In 2018, Dr. Jackson provided a highly favorable review, stating that Trump had "great genes" and suggesting that with a healthier diet, he "might live to be 200 years old."

Expert Assessment

Dr. Byron Lee, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at Stanford University, assessed Trump's health in general terms while acknowledging the inability to access his comprehensive medical history and records.

"As we age, there is no denying that the risk of heart attacks and strokes increases," Lee stated. "However, many individuals, including the president, remain active in their eighties and manage to do well."

He emphasized that Trump's busy schedule is "actually really good" for his overall health, noting that active patients generally fare well.

Lee expressed a desire to understand more about Trump's frequent use of aspirin. "It's interesting that he is on aspirin. We don't often routinely recommend it anymore unless there are risk factors for stroke or heart disease," he commented. "And it definitely can lead to bruising."

Additionally, Lee pointed out that the swelling in Trump's legs, attributed by the White House to chronic venous insufficiency, warrants further examination and testing. "Fortunately, chronic venous insufficiency is not considered particularly dangerous," he asserted. "It does result in some swelling in the legs but could indicate other underlying issues."

Above all, Lee hopes Trump continues to lose weight and maintain an active lifestyle. "He is slightly overweight, and those factors elevate the risk for heart disease," he warned. "It would be beneficial to hear that he's successfully managing his weight."

Lee noted that modern medical practice often involves prescribing GLP-1s—such as Ozempic—to patients of similar age and weight as Trump.