Trump completes ‘semiannual’ physical before traveling to Middle East | Donald Trump
Donald Trump, the oldest person elected US president, underwent what he described as a “semi-annual exam” at Walter Reed national military medical center on Friday.
The visit, announced by the White House earlier this week, took place as Trump was preparing to go to the Middle East following the ceasefire agreement reached in the Israel-Hamas war. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described it as a “routine annual checkup,” although the President had his annual physical in April.
Trump left the White House around 10:45 a.m. Friday and returned to the field at 2:15 p.m., slightly ahead of schedule. He did not answer reporters’ questions when he arrived, and the White House did not say when it would release more information about his results or exams.
The White House has refused to explain why Trump had his annual checkup at Walter Reed in Bethesda, Maryland, six months after his annual physical. But in a call with reporters Thursday, the Republican president said it was a “semi-annual examination.”
“I’m meeting with the troops and I’m also going to get physicals every six months, which I do as well,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “I think I’m doing great, but I’ll let you know.”
Trump’s examination in April found him “fully qualified” to serve as commander in chief. A three-page summary of the examination by his doctor, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, said he had lost 20 lb (9 kg) since a June 2020 medical exam and that the 79-year-old president had an “active lifestyle” that “continues to contribute significantly” to his health.
Since his exam in April, Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition the president experiences in his legs that can cause swelling because it is common in older adults. Trump’s doctor also expressed concern about bruising on the president’s hand, which he attributed to irritation caused by frequent handshakes and his use of aspirin as a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.
Recent images of a purplish bruise on Trump’s hand that appeared to be covered up with makeup fueled online speculation that the president was ill. While discussing the results of the diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency in the briefing room, Leavitt noted that the White House disclosed the details of the examination to dispel rumors about Trump’s health.
During a physical exam in April, Trump also underwent a brief screening test to evaluate different brain functions.
Presidents have broad discretion over what health information they make public. The summary of Trump’s exam in April included information about his weight, body mass index, past surgeries, mental health screenings, cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Trump’s previous medical reports have generally revealed few flattering details.
Trump has long been cautious about his health, and concerns about the president’s health date back to his first term. But when the president disappeared from public view for several days over the summer, the wild rumors came to a head as critics and TikTok influencers speculated that the president was on his deathbed. “I’VE NEVER FELT THIS BETTER IN MY LIFE!” At the time, Trump made a claim that only fueled suspicions of a cover-up.
Lauren Gambino contributed reporting
