President Donald Trump's latest health report has yet to be released publicly, following his third physical of his second term at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Tuesday. The White House has not confirmed whether the results will be published, despite previous releases of the President's health records. While presidents are not legally required to disclose such information, Trump has historically used his results to emphasize his vigor compared to predecessors.
Health Concerns and Visible Signs
Trump, 79, has been observed with bruised hands, which he often attempts to conceal with makeup, and swollen legs, attributed by the White House to chronic venous insufficiency—a common condition in older adults. He has also been seen nodding off during meetings. Dr. Jonathan Reiner of George Washington University noted on CNN that Trump exhibits "severe daytime somnolence," falling asleep frequently in the Oval Office and cabinet meetings. Chronic insomnia, Reiner added, can increase dementia risk and cognitive decline in older individuals.
Public Perception Polls
Recent polls indicate growing public concern over Trump's fitness. A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos survey found that 59% of Americans believe Trump lacks the mental sharpness to lead, while 55% question his physical health. At a Memorial Day service, Trump's right hand was visibly covered with thick makeup, which the White House attributed to bruising from handshakes and his daily aspirin regimen.
Medical History and Clarifications
This visit marks Trump's third to Walter Reed in 13 months. In July, he was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency for swollen ankles. After an October trip, Trump claimed a "perfect MRI," but his physician clarified it was a CT scan to rule out cardiovascular issues. White House Physician Dr. Sean Barbabella confirmed Trump remains in "excellent overall health" and attributed a neck rash to a medicated cream for preventive skin treatment.
Supporters emphasize Trump's vitality. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. boasted that Dr. Oz found Trump's testosterone levels to be the highest seen for anyone over 70. Trump himself dismisses claims of falling asleep, saying he merely rests his eyes.
Historical Context and Transparency
Presidents are not legally bound to release health information, and assessments often paint a favorable picture. During Trump's 2020 COVID-19 bout, his physician gave upbeat briefings while his chief of staff disclosed a more serious condition. Similarly, former President Joe Biden revealed a Stage 4 testicular cancer diagnosis four months after leaving office, raising questions about prior disclosure. Trump criticized the delay, saying the public should have been notified earlier.
The controversy echoes a book titled Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, which alleged a health cover-up. During the 2024 campaign, Trump avoided age-related scrutiny due to his apparent vigor compared to Biden, but concerns have resurfaced. A recent Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos survey showed only 40% of Americans believe Trump has the mental sharpness to serve, down from 47% in September, and 44% deem him physically fit, down from 54%.
Trump continues to tout his cognitive abilities, recounting a perfect score of 30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment during his last physical. At a rally in New York, he joked about wanting to be seen as smart, not dumb, and asked if there was a test he could take.
