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Trump Heads to Walter Reed for Third Medical Checkup in 13 Months
President Donald Trump is scheduled to undergo his third medical and dental checkup at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in just over a year, renewing public debate about the 79-year-old president's physical and mental fitness for office. The visit, set for tomorrow, comes after previous checkups in April and October 2025, a frequency that outside physicians say is unusual for a sitting president and has fueled widespread speculation.
The White House maintains that Trump remains in 'excellent health,' pointing to medical reports from his physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella. But a growing number of medical experts and a significant portion of the American public are questioning whether the president is fully fit to serve. A recent poll by The Washington Post, ABC News, and Ipsos found that only 40% of Americans believe Trump is mentally sharp enough for the presidency, down from 47% the previous year.
Why Is Trump Visiting Walter Reed So Often?
Presidents typically undergo one annual medical exam unless a specific health issue arises. Trump's three visits in 13 months have drawn scrutiny. The October 2025 visit was initially described as a 'routine follow-up' but later revealed to include a CT scan of the chest to rule out cardiovascular problems. Dr. Barbabella said the scan was preventive. However, cardiologist Dr. Jonathan Reiner told NPR that 'annual exams are common at his age,' but the frequency of these visits—and the delayed disclosure of the CT scan—raises questions about transparency.
Some physicians have speculated that Trump may have undergone additional undisclosed procedures. The White House initially said Trump had an MRI before correcting the record to say it was a CT scan. This inconsistency has led to accusations that the administration is withholding information about Trump's medical records.
Key Health Concerns: Bruises, Swelling, and Cognitive Tests
Visible Bruising on Hands
Trump's hands have frequently appeared with large bruises, which the White House attributes to daily aspirin use and vigorous handshaking. Dr. Reiner expressed skepticism: 'If someone is taking too much aspirin, you normally lower the dose. And we see those bruises on his left hand too—I doubt he shakes hands left-handed.' The bruising has been a recurring topic on social media and in medical circles.
Leg Swelling and Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Swelling in Trump's lower legs has been visible since summer 2025. The White House confirmed in July 2025 that Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a common age-related condition where leg veins struggle to return blood to the heart. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called it 'a benign and common condition' and said tests showed no deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease. But Dr. Reiner noted that if the swelling appeared suddenly, it could indicate more serious issues such as heart failure. The condition was not mentioned in earlier White House medical reports, raising questions about when it was first detected.
Cognitive Test Claims
Trump frequently references his performance on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a 30-point screening test for mild cognitive impairment. He claims to have 'aced' the test multiple times, including a perfect score of 30/30 in 2018. However, Dr. Ziad Nasreddine, who designed the MoCA, noted that the test is 'supposed to be easy for someone who has no cognitive impairment' and that repeated testing can indicate clinical concern rather than reassurance. Trump has called for mandatory cognitive tests for presidential and vice-presidential candidates, saying he would score higher than Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
Public Trust in Trump's Fitness Is Declining
The Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll shows a sharp drop in confidence. Only 40% of Americans believe Trump has the mental acuity to serve, and trust in his physical health has also fallen. Psychiatrist Jules Tielens, speaking on BNR's Boekestijn en De Wijk, called Trump 'a psychiatric case,' adding: 'This is very scary psychology. Dangerous, destabilizing, and destructive. He is completely no longer engaged in community thinking.' Tielens warned that history shows such behavior 'always ends in a big crash.'
White House aides counter by pointing to Trump's packed schedule, including working on Saturdays and recent diplomatic efforts on Iran. They argue that his energy levels remain high. However, the 2026 US presidential election is approaching, and health questions could become a central campaign issue.
What Does the Future Hold?
With Trump nearing 80, the frequency of his medical visits is unlikely to decrease. The White House has promised a full summary of tomorrow's checkup, but past delays in disclosure have eroded trust. Physicians and political analysts alike will be watching closely for any signs of cognitive or physical decline that could affect his ability to lead the nation through ongoing geopolitical crises.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many medical checkups has Trump had in his second term?
Trump has had three scheduled medical checkups in 13 months: April 2025, October 2025, and May 2026. This is more frequent than the typical annual exam for a sitting president.
What is chronic venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition where leg veins cannot efficiently return blood to the heart, causing blood pooling, swelling, and discomfort. It is common in people over 70 and is not usually life-threatening, but can indicate underlying vascular issues.
Did Trump really score 30/30 on a cognitive test?
Trump's physician in 2018 reported a perfect score of 30/30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). However, the MoCA is a screening tool, not an IQ test, and experts say a perfect score is expected for someone without impairment. Repeated testing may suggest clinical concern.
Why are Trump's hands bruised?
The White House says bruising is caused by daily aspirin use and frequent handshaking. Some cardiologists question this explanation, noting the bruises appear on both hands and aspirin doses can be adjusted.
What do polls say about public trust in Trump's health?
A Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll found that only 40% of Americans believe Trump is mentally sharp enough for the presidency, down from 47% in 2025. Trust in his physical health has also declined.
Sources
Washington Post: Trump faces health questions ahead of another Walter Reed trip
NPR: Trump's third medical checkup in 13 months sparks concern
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