President Trump, 79, to undergo routine annual medical exam at Walter Reed amid persistent health questions
President Donald Trump is scheduled for a medical appointment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Tuesday, marking his third visit to the facility in 13 months. The White House announced the visit two weeks ago, describing it as a "routine annual dental and medical assessment" and part of his "regular preventive health care."
Third visit in 13 months raises scrutiny
Trump, who turns 80 in June, is the oldest person to take the oath of office and the second oldest president in U.S. history after former President Joe Biden. His last annual physical examination took place in April 2025. Shortly after that exam, Trump told reporters he "aced" the cognitive test, and the White House released a memo stating he was in "excellent health."
In October 2025, Trump returned to Walter Reed for a "scheduled follow-up," which prompted renewed health concerns. By December, the White House disclosed that Trump had received a CT scan to further assess his "cardiovascular and abdominal health." White House physician Captain Sean Barbabella stated the president "remains in excellent overall health."
Physical signs and public speculation
Questions about Trump's health have persisted due to visible signs including swollen ankles, bruised hands, and occasional lethargy during public appearances. Makeup has been observed covering his bruised hands in footage. In January, Trump addressed the health concerns directly, telling the Wall Street Journal he regretted the October CT scan because of the ensuing speculation. He attributed the bruising on his hand to taking too much aspirin.
Administration defends president's fitness
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 posted repeatedly about Trump's long work day as he negotiated a U.S.-Iran peace deal. "This man is focused and determined," Cheung wrote on X. "Can't stop, won't spot."
Cabinet members have also weighed in on Trump's health during his second term. In a podcast interview in January, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz reviewed Trump's medical records.
Mental and physical acuity played a major role in Trump's campaign for president. He often called Biden "Sleepy Joe" and criticized his ability to be commander in chief. Throughout his term, Biden visibly slowed down and increasingly made verbal slips – most notably during a presidential debate against Trump in June 2024. Biden withdrew from the presidential race less than a month later.
Context: Trump's health has been a recurring topic during his presidency, with previous physical exams in 2025 and 2024 drawing similar public and media scrutiny. The frequency of his medical visits echoes concerns raised about other older world leaders, including former President Joe Biden, who faced repeated questions about his fitness for office before withdrawing from the 2024 election.