Trump will undergo annual physical. What the public finds out is up to him
ABC News: Politics — 2026-05-26 06:32:00 — abcnews.com
Trump’s Upcoming Medical Exam Sparks Health Concerns
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is scheduled to undergo a medical exam on Tuesday, drawing renewed public scrutiny regarding his health as he attempts to dismiss concerns about his age and stamina. The 79-year-old president will visit Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for what the White House has described as annual preventative medical and dental checkups. This marks Trump’s fourth publicly disclosed medical exam since he returned to office for a second term, coinciding with his efforts to project strength ahead of midterm elections that will test his influence with voters.
Public Skepticism About Trump’s Health
For decades, presidential administrations have released selective results from medical examinations, providing the public with a glimpse into the health of the commander-in-chief. However, these results are filtered through the White House and require presidential approval, raising questions about transparency. Trump, who turns 80 next month, was the oldest person elected U.S. president. His predecessor, Joe Biden, was 82 when he left office, amid widespread concerns about his age.
A recent Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll revealed that less than half of U.S. adults believe Trump possesses the mental sharpness or physical health necessary to serve effectively as president. Dr. Jeffrey Kuhlman, a former White House physician, stated, “I think concern for the president’s physical health is probably at an all-time high, and I think advanced physical age is the No. 1 concern.”
Trump’s Health Claims Under Scrutiny
In the lead-up to his medical visit, Trump has claimed he feels as good as he did five decades ago, even joking about his fondness for fast food and minimal exercise. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle asserted, “President Trump is the sharpest and most accessible President in American history who is working nonstop to solve problems and deliver on his promises, and he remains in excellent health.” However, Trump’s past medical reports have faced criticism for lacking detail and containing statistics that some medical experts have viewed skeptically.
At public appearances, Trump has been seen wearing makeup to conceal bruising on his hands, which the White House attributes to handshaking and regular aspirin use. Critics have noted that he sometimes appears drowsy during meetings, closing his eyes for extended periods, although he denies falling asleep. Trump frequently boasts about having “aced” cognitive tests, while simultaneously deriding Biden’s mental acuity.
Expert Opinions on Trump’s Cognitive Health
Despite Trump’s claims of cognitive fitness, critics point to his meandering speeches and sometimes aggressive rhetoric as signs of cognitive decline. Last month, over 30 neurologists and psychiatrists issued a statement declaring Trump mentally unfit to serve, citing “objectively observable signs of serious medical concern.” Ingle responded, stating, “Any so-called medical professionals engaging in armchair diagnosis or false speculation for political purposes are clearly breaking the Hippocratic Oath they’ve sworn to.”
Sara Rosenthal, a bioethicist at the University of Kentucky, noted that presidents have the discretion to choose what health information is disclosed. She remarked, “I think we can expect very little disclosure about the true health status of any president unless they’re in perfect health.”
Concerns Over Transparency and Medical Records
Trump’s first medical report in his second term was released last April. In July, he was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that causes blood to pool in the veins. Photographs have shown the president with swollen feet and ankles, which the White House described as “mild swelling” in his lower legs. Following his last publicly disclosed exam, his physician issued a one-page summary stating Trump was in “exceptional health” but provided few specific results.
Experts like S. Jay Olshansky from the University of Illinois-Chicago argue that the public deserves more than the filtered medical summaries provided by the White House. He stated, “Nothing should be hidden.”
Potential Implications of Trump’s Health
The White House has not disclosed whether Trump’s upcoming visit will involve any procedures requiring anesthesia. If anesthesia is administered, Vice President JD Vance would temporarily assume control of the office under the 25th Amendment. This scenario last occurred in 2021 when Vice President Kamala Harris was briefly sworn in while Biden underwent a colonoscopy.
Conclusion
As Trump prepares for his medical exam, the intersection of health, age, and public perception remains a critical issue. With skepticism surrounding his health claims and the transparency of presidential medical records, the upcoming exam could either reinforce or further challenge public confidence in his ability to serve effectively. As the nation watches closely, the implications of Trump’s health will undoubtedly resonate through the political landscape.
Source: https://abcnews.com/Politics/wireStory/trump-doctors-annual-physical-public-finds-133305883