Donald Trump, the oldest person ever elected US president, underwent what he described as a 'semiannual physical' at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Friday. The visit came as he prepares to travel to the Middle East following a ceasefire deal in the Israel-Hamas war.
The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, initially called it a 'routine yearly checkup', though Trump had his annual physical in April. Trump left the White House at about 10.45am and returned at 2.15pm, slightly ahead of schedule. He did not answer questions from reporters upon his return.
A summary from Trump's doctor, Sean Barbabella, said the visit was part of his health maintenance plan and included advanced imaging and laboratory testing. Barbabella claimed Trump's cardiac age was found to be 14 years younger than his actual age of 79, and described him as being in 'exceptional health'.
Trump's April physical found him 'fully fit' to serve as commander in chief, noting he had lost 20lb (9kg) since June 2020. Since then, he was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition causing leg swelling common in older adults. His physician also addressed bruising on Trump's hand, attributing it to frequent handshaking and aspirin use.
Recent images of a bruise on Trump's hand, covered with makeup, sparked online speculation about his health. Leavitt disclosed details of the checkup to dispel rumours. Presidents have broad discretion over health disclosures; Trump's April report included weight, BMI, cholesterol, and blood pressure, but previous reports have been scarce on details.
