President Trump is scheduled to visit Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Tuesday for his annual physical and dental exam, the White House confirmed. Officials described the appointment as a routine part of the president’s preventive health care. During the visit, Trump is also expected to greet service members and staff at the facility.
This marks the fourth publicly acknowledged medical evaluation for the 79-year-old president during his second administration. The checkup comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Trump’s health, particularly as he approaches his 80th birthday next month.
Trump’s last trip to Walter Reed occurred in October for what was described as a secondary physical and cognitive test. In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, the president clarified that he underwent a CT scan during that visit, correcting earlier statements that he had received an MRI. “It wasn’t an MRI,” Trump told the Journal. “It was less than that. It was a scan.”
His physician, Sean Barbabella, explained to the Journal that the medical team recommended either an MRI or CT scan “to definitely rule out any cardiovascular issues.” Barbabella added, “The president agreed, and our team of consultants performed a CT scan. As we revealed in the postexamination report, the advanced imaging was perfectly normal and revealed absolutely no abnormalities.”
Questions about Trump’s health have intensified in recent months, with observers noting swelling in his legs and visible bruising on his hands, which he has attempted to conceal with makeup. Last July, an ultrasound of his veins at Walter Reed led to a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition in older adults that impedes blood flow from the legs to the heart. Trump briefly wore compression socks to manage the condition but told the Journal he disliked them and stopped using them.
Regarding the bruising, Trump attributed it to his daily aspirin regimen. Barbabella confirmed the president takes about 325 milligrams of aspirin per day for cardiac prevention. Trump also told the Journal that he applies makeup to his hands to cover bruises, noting that his hand once bled after being nicked by former Attorney General Pam Bondi’s ring during a high-five at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Trump has frequently criticized his predecessor, Joe Biden, for his age. However, Biden was five months younger at the start of his term than Trump was when he began his second term. As Trump’s own health remains a topic of discussion, his approval ratings have dipped, with disapproval reaching 58.3%—the worst since January 6—amid ongoing international tensions, including the Iran conflict. The president’s handling of the Iran talks has drawn mixed reactions, as he continues to push for a swift resolution while facing hurdles.
