Trump to undergo fourth second-term medical at Walter Reed Tuesday ahead of his 80th birthday | Today’s news
US President Donald Trump is scheduled to undergo his fourth medical of his second term at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Tuesday (May 26), ahead of his 80th birthday next month.
The White House said the visit will include both a medical and dental exam as part of Trump’s annual preventive care.
Trump jokes about exercise routine
Last week, Trump played down concerns about his fitness by joking about his exercise habits.
“I work out like that a minute a day, max,” Trump said during a public appearance.
Despite the humor, the remark added to the ongoing debate about the president’s health and lifestyle.
Trump turns 80 on June 14 and is currently the oldest person ever elected to the presidency.
Visible health problems attract attention
Recent public appearances have fueled speculation about Trump’s condition after observers noticed bruises on his hands, swelling in his lower legs and a rash on his neck.
Trump has addressed the bruise directly, attributing it to his aspirin use.
“I take more aspirin than my doctor recommends,” Trump said, explaining that the medication contributes to easy bruising.
Aspirin is commonly prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke because it thins the blood.
White House explains leg swelling
Trump’s doctor, Sean Barbabella, previously released a letter saying the president’s lower leg swelling was caused by chronic venous insufficiency.
“This condition is benign and common, especially in individuals over the age of 70,” Barbabella wrote.
The White House also responded to concerns about visible bruising on the president’s hands, which have occasionally appeared covered in makeup during televised events.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the irritation was likely caused by “frequent handshakes” combined with aspirin use.
Mental fitness remains a political issue
Trump has repeatedly questioned former President Joe Biden’s cognitive abilities and drawn attention to his own mental acuity.
The president has often defended his cognitive health by referring to assessments contained in his medical evaluations.
“I passed the cognitive tests,” Trump said repeatedly at rallies and interviews.
Questions about his alertness resurfaced after Trump appeared to close his eyes for extended periods during several public events, including a December 2 cabinet meeting.
Previous CT scan described as “absolutely normal”
Trump’s last publicly disclosed medical examination was in October, when he underwent a CT scan of his heart and abdomen.
According to Barbabella, the imaging was precautionary and did not reveal any abnormalities.
“The results were completely normal,” the doctor said in a statement released by the White House.
Trump later commented that he regretted undergoing the scans because the tests fueled more public speculation about his health rather than allaying concerns.