President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Friday for what the White House has described as a 'routine yearly check up'. This marks the second such examination since his return to office in January, with the previous one in April including cognitive and cardiology tests.
The visit comes amid ongoing speculation about the 79-year-old president's health, fuelled by recent images of a bruise on his hand and a series of erratic public appearances. During his April exam, Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition in older adults that can cause leg swelling.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump would also meet with troops during the visit and is considering a trip to the Middle East shortly after. The president has previously mentioned a potential weekend trip to Egypt to advance a Gaza ceasefire deal.
Questions about Trump's mental acuity have intensified following rambling speeches and unusual online behaviour. However, his physician declared him 'fully fit to execute the duties' of the presidency after the April checkup, citing his golf victories as contributing to his wellbeing. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.
