President Trump’s Medical Evaluations and Health Journey

President Donald Trump visits doctors for a medical checkup at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. This marks his fourth visit with medical experts since resuming office last year. Trump, turning 80 next month, faces public scrutiny concerning his health due to visible bruises and swollen ankles. Despite his team’s assurances of his robust health, some medical professionals remain skeptical.

U.S. presidents have discretionary power over health information disclosures. Despite criticizing Joe Biden’s health, Trump maintains secrecy around his medical details. Jacob Appel, a physician at Mount Sinai Hospital, notes there is no rule mandating annual health exams or publicizing results. President Richard Nixon was the first to make his annual exams public. This practice has since become more common for U.S. presidents.

Trump’s Medical Reports

January 2018: First Physical of First Term

Trump’s first presidential medical checkup occurred on January 12, 2018. Dr. Ronny Jackson, his White House physician, reported that the examination went well, declaring Trump in excellent health. The exam recorded Trump’s weight at 239 pounds with a BMI of 29.9, categorizing him as overweight. His blood pressure was 122/74, and cholesterol was 223, prompting cholesterol medication adjustment recommendations. Trump scored perfectly on a surprise cognitive test.

February 2019: Annual Physical

On February 8, 2019, Trump was deemed obese with a weight of 243 pounds and a BMI of 30.4. Dr. Sean P. Conley reported Trump remained in good health. His blood pressure was 118/80, and his total cholesterol decreased to 196, with an LDL level of 122. Conley planned to modify Trump’s statin drug dosage further.

November 2019: Medical Tests

Trump’s November 16, 2019 visit for medical tests was unlisted on his public schedule. White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham mentioned Trump started portions of his annual checkup ahead of a busy 2020. A statement from Conley described it as a planned interim checkup.

June 2020: Use of Malaria Drug Disclosed

Trump’s physical in April 2020 indicated monitoring for potential side effects from hydroxychloroquine to prevent COVID-19. Conley’s report in June stated Trump completed the regimen safely without side effects. His weight was 244 pounds (BMI of 30.5), his resting heart rate 63 bpm, and his blood pressure 121/79. Cholesterol was 167, and he was taking rosuvastatin, daily aspirin, and finasteride.

October 2020: COVID Hospitalization

Trump was hospitalized for COVID-19 in October 2020. Despite frequent updates, inconsistencies in his condition’s reports raised credibility concerns. The New York Times later revealed Trump’s illness was more severe, with potential ventilator need concerns. His former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows disclosed the illness was not as initially described.

April 2025: First Physical of Second Term

In April 2025, Trump underwent a five-hour exam including blood work, cardiac testing, and cognitive screening. Navy Captain Sean Barbabella declared Trump’s cognitive and physical health as excellent. With a weight of 224 pounds, Trump moved to overweight status (BMI of 28.0). The report acknowledged full joint motion and noted a colonoscopy in 2024 finding a benign polyp.

July 2025: Diagnosis Disclosed

In July, Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency after observing lower leg swelling. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt disclosed the condition to dispel rumors about Trump’s visible swelling and bruises, attributing hand bruising to frequent handshakes and aspirin use.

October 2025: Follow-up Evaluation

Trump returned for evaluation in October. Barbabella’s report summarized the visit, stating Trump was in exceptional health. The evaluation included advanced imaging and preventive health assessments. Trump received a flu shot and a COVID-19 booster.

May 2026: Annual Physical

Trump’s upcoming visit to Walter Reed includes routine dental and medical exams. The checkup may attract attention from supporters and critics regarding the White House’s subsequent disclosures.