Speculation over Donald Trump's health has been reignited by claims that the US President saw a record-breaking 22 specialists during a recent check-up. Mr Trump has repeatedly denied rumours of physical or mental deterioration, claiming to be in "perfect health" despite noticeable bruising, swelling, and apparent memory loss.
Unprecedented Number of Specialists
The US leader, who turns 80 on Sunday, was examined by 22 specialists during a three-hour appointment at a medical centre in Maryland this week, the Washington Post reports. Analysis by the US outlet found that this was almost double the number of physicians involved in his last bi-annual check-up, when 14 attended the president for undisclosed reasons.
As well as setting a personal record, the figure is thought to be the highest number of specialists present at a single examination of a US leader - although this may be a feat Mr Trump is uncharacteristically slow to boast about.
Expert Reactions
Jonathan Reiner, who acted as cardiologist for late vice president Dick Cheney, told the Post: "It's an extraordinary number. What specialties do they represent? Why so many?" Speaking before the check-up, Mr Reiner also criticised the "lack of candor" from the administration over the president's health. "The White House just doesn't seem to want to acknowledge any physical ailment, but older people develop medical issues, and the president is almost 80 years old," he said.
White House Response
Taking to Truth Social after the appointment, Mr Trump insisted he remained in "perfect" health, writing: "Just finished my 6 month physical at Walter Reed Military Medical Centre. Everything checked out PERFECTLY. Thank you to the great Doctors and Staff! Heading back to the White House." A White House spokesperson said: "The involvement of multiple specialists reflects a comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation consistent with best practices for executive-level medical care."
White House physician Sean Barbabella has maintained that the president is in "excellent health" and is "fully fit" to serve as commander in chief, saying he demonstrates "strong cardiac, pulmonary, neurological and overall physical function". He also said he has provided Mr Trump with preventive care counselling, including guidance on diet, recommendations to take low-dose aspirin, increased physical activity, and continued weight loss.
Recent Incidents
The latest commentary on Mr Trump's health comes just days after US sports fans spotted him first falling asleep at a New York Knicks vs San Antonio Spurs basketball game, then seemingly "failing to walk in a straight line" while approaching reporters. These incidents have further fueled public concern about the president's physical and cognitive state.
