A prominent cardiologist has expressed serious concerns about US President Donald Trump's health following the confirmation of his third visit to Walter Reed National Military Center in just 13 months. Trump, who will turn 80 in June, is scheduled for another medical appointment at the facility, fueling speculation about his wellbeing.
Unusual Frequency of Visits
Typically, US presidents undergo a single annual check-up at Walter Reed. However, Trump made two visits in 2025 alone, one of which was initially described as an MRI but later revealed to be a CT scan. The White House has insisted that all visits have been publicly disclosed, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating last month, “He has never made an undisclosed visit to Walter Reed.”
Expert Concerns
Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a professor of medicine and director of the cardiac catheterisation laboratory at The George Washington University Hospital, told The Washington Post: “This 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. There just seems to be a lack of candour from the White House.”
Reiner noted visible swelling in Trump’s legs, which the White House attributed in July to chronic venous insufficiency, an age-related condition where veins struggle to return blood to the heart, causing pooling in the lower legs. However, Trump’s April 2025 medical report did not mention this condition. Reiner suggested that if it developed after April, it could indicate acute edema, which “usually warrants an in-depth evaluation to make sure that you don't have conditions like congestive heart failure.”
Additional Health Indicators
The debate over Trump’s health has also focused on recurring bruising on the back of his hands, which the White House says is from extensive hand-shaking. Reiner countered: “We've seen a similar bruise from time to time on his left hand, and I doubt he's shaking hands with his left hand.”
According to the Daily Beast, the condition was also absent from his October medical report. The lack of transparency has heightened concerns among health experts and the public alike.
