Donald Trump is set to visit Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Tuesday for a medical and dental check-up, marking his third hospital visit in just over a year. The 79-year-old president's upcoming appointment follows previous visits in April 2025 for his annual physical and in October for a scheduled follow-up.
The latest trip comes amid mounting public scrutiny over Trump's health, with visible bruising and red marks repeatedly spotted on his hands and neck during recent public appearances. Critics have also pointed to swollen ankles and moments where he appeared to close his eyes during meetings. The White House has consistently denied rumours of emergency hospitalisations, insisting Trump remains in 'excellent health'.
Last year, Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common vein condition that can cause leg and ankle swelling. He has attributed bruising on his hands to daily aspirin use, which increases bruising risk, particularly in older adults. Mental fitness has also become a growing concern, with a recent Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll finding that only 40 per cent of Americans believe Trump has the mental sharpness required for office, down from 47 per cent in September.
Former White House physicians have called for greater transparency. Jonathan Reiner, former cardiologist to Vice President Dick Cheney, 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 candor from the White House.' Jeffrey Kuhlman, who served as physician to Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama, echoed similar concerns, saying he hopes the administration is 'at least transparent and truthful'.
While presidents are not legally required to release medical records, bipartisan calls have grown for an independent commission to evaluate sitting presidents' health. Trump has previously boasted about achieving 'strong' cognitive scores, though detailed results have not been made public. His allies have pushed back against criticism, with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently claiming on a podcast that Mehmet Oz reviewed Trump's records and described him as having 'the highest testosterone level' he had ever seen in a man over 70.
