Trump to get ‘routine annual’ medical exam at Walter Reed : NPR
NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-05-25 14:28:00 — www.npr.org
Trump’s Health Under Scrutiny Ahead of Medical Appointment
WASHINGTON — President Trump has a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday, marking his third visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in just 13 months. This frequency has raised concerns about his health. The White House announced the “routine annual dental and medical assessment” two weeks ago, characterizing it as a “part of his regular preventive health care.” Trump, who turns 80 years old in June, is the oldest person to take the oath of office and the second oldest president in U.S. history after President Joe Biden. His age, swollen ankles, and bruised hands have sparked repeated questions about the president’s health and fitness.
Recent Health Assessments
Trump’s last annual physical examination was in April of last year. Shortly after, he told reporters he “aced” the cognitive test, and the White House released a memo reporting that he was in “excellent health.” However, a few months later, he returned to Walter Reed for a “scheduled follow-up” in October, which reignited concerns about his health. By December, the White House revealed that Trump received a CT scan to further assess his “cardiovascular and abdominal health.” White House physician Capt. Sean Barbabella stated that the president “remains in excellent overall health.” Nevertheless, questions about Trump’s health persisted, particularly as footage showed makeup covering his bruised hands and occasional lethargy during public appearances.
Trump’s Statements on Health
In January, Trump addressed the health issue directly, telling the Wall Street Journal that he regretted getting the October CT scan due to the speculation that followed. He attributed the bruising on his hand to taking too much aspirin. This statement raises eyebrows, as Dr. Byron Lee, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at Stanford University, noted that aspirin can indeed cause bruising but is not routinely recommended unless there are specific risk factors for stroke or heart disease.
Contradictory Claims and Public Perception
Throughout his presidency, Trump has often criticized President Biden’s mental and physical acuity, labeling him “Sleepy Joe” and questioning his ability to serve as Commander-in-Chief. This narrative has been complicated by Trump’s own health issues, particularly as Biden has faced visible challenges, including verbal slips during debates. Notably, Biden withdrew from the presidential race less than a month after a debate with Trump in June 2024.
White House Defense of Trump’s Health
The White House has aggressively defended Trump’s physical vitality, pointing to his packed schedule and frequent engagement with the press and world leaders. Over the weekend, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung highlighted Trump’s long workday while negotiating a U.S.-Iran peace deal, stating, “This man is focused and determined. Can’t stop, won’t spot.” Additionally, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed that CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz reviewed Trump’s medical records and found he has “the highest testosterone level that he’s ever seen for an individual over 70 years old.”
Medical Records and Transparency Issues
Trump has been less than forthcoming regarding his health records, which has led to skepticism about the information released by the White House. Last summer, he was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that affects blood flow. Despite this diagnosis, the White House maintained that Trump’s cardiovascular health remained “excellent.” An April 2025 medical report revealed some abnormalities, including scarring from a past gunshot wound and findings from a colonoscopy. The report also indicated that Trump weighs 224 pounds, which is 20 pounds lighter than in 2020.
Expert Opinions on Trump’s Health
Dr. Byron Lee emphasized the importance of regular physicals, especially for individuals in their eighties. He stated, “When we get older, there’s no doubt that the risks of heart attacks and strokes become increased. But there are many people, like the president, who are very active in their eighties and maintain a busy schedule, and they do fine with it.” However, he expressed concern about Trump’s frequent use of aspirin and the swelling in his legs, suggesting that further investigation may be warranted.
Conclusion
As President Trump prepares for his upcoming medical appointment, questions about his health continue to loom large. His statements regarding his health, coupled with the White House’s selective disclosures, have contributed to a complex narrative that raises concerns about transparency and public trust. With the president’s age and health under scrutiny, the implications of his medical assessments extend beyond personal well-being, influencing public perception and political discourse as he navigates the final stretch of his presidency.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/25/nx-s1-5833855/trump-medical-checkup