US President Donald Trump’s latest medical examination has once again triggered public debate over the health and fitness of America’s oldest serving president, after White House doctors advised him to lose weight and increase physical activity despite declaring him in “excellent health.”
The White House on Friday released details from Trump’s annual physical examination conducted earlier this week at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland.
According to the medical report issued by White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella, Trump remains physically and cognitively fit to continue carrying out his presidential responsibilities.
“President Trump remains in excellent health, demonstrating strong cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and overall physical function,” Barbabella wrote in the report.
The physician further stated that Trump’s “cognitive and physical performance are excellent” and that he is “fully fit” to perform the duties of Commander-in-Chief and Head of State.
However, the report also included clear lifestyle recommendations, including:
- increased physical activity,
- dietary changes,
- continued weight reduction,
- and preventive cardiovascular care.
Weight Gain Since Last Examination
The report noted that Trump currently weighs 238 pounds and stands 6 feet 3 inches tall.
That marks a noticeable increase from last year’s physical examination, during which he reportedly weighed 224 pounds.
Doctors recommended that the president continue efforts toward weight loss while also increasing exercise levels — an issue that has followed Trump throughout both of his presidencies.
Trump has long been known for his preference for fast food, limited exercise routines and demanding travel schedules, though he frequently claims to possess strong stamina and energy levels.
Immediately after completing the medical examination earlier this week, Trump wrote on Truth Social:
“Everything checked out PERFECTLY.”
The president’s visit to Walter Reed marked his third medical examination there since returning to the White House in 2025.
Concerns Over Swelling, Bruising And Circulation
The White House report also addressed visible health concerns that had sparked public speculation in recent months.
Doctors acknowledged that Trump continues to experience mild swelling in his lower legs and ankles due to chronic venous insufficiency — a circulatory condition that occurs when vein valves do not function efficiently, causing blood to collect in the legs.
According to the latest examination, the swelling has “improved from last year.”
Trump had reportedly attempted wearing compression socks to manage the condition but found them uncomfortable.
The report also addressed bruising repeatedly seen on Trump’s hands during public appearances and official photographs.
The White House attributed the bruising to:
- frequent handshakes,
- regular aspirin use,
- and age-related skin sensitivity.
Officials have occasionally used concealer makeup to minimize the visibility of bruises during public appearances.
Trump’s Heart Health And Cognitive Testing
One of the more striking claims in the medical report related to Trump’s cardiovascular health.
According to the White House physician, an AI-assisted electrocardiogram analysis estimated Trump’s “cardiac age” to be approximately 14 years younger than his actual age.
Doctors also conducted a comprehensive neurological examination evaluating:
- motor skills,
- reflexes,
- balance,
- cranial nerve function,
- gait,
- sensation,
- and mental status.
The report stated all results appeared normal.
Trump also underwent the Montreal Cognitive Assessment — commonly known as the MoCA test — a short cognitive screening tool used globally to detect signs of mild cognitive impairment or early dementia.
According to the physician, Trump scored a perfect 30 out of 30.
Trump has repeatedly highlighted his cognitive test results publicly over the years, often using them to dismiss criticism regarding his age and mental sharpness.
Aspirin Use Raises Questions
The report confirmed that Trump currently takes aspirin regularly as part of preventive cardiovascular care.
However, the dosage was not officially disclosed in the medical summary.
Earlier this year, Trump told the Wall Street Journal that he takes 325 milligrams of aspirin daily — significantly higher than the commonly recommended low-dose preventive aspirin of 81 milligrams.
“They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart,” Trump reportedly told the newspaper.
Medical experts generally caution that higher aspirin doses can increase the risk of bruising and internal bleeding, especially among older adults.
Trump himself acknowledged that the medication contributes to visible bruising on his hands.
Health And Age Remain Political Issues
At 79, Trump remains one of the oldest presidents in US history, and scrutiny surrounding his health has intensified as age increasingly becomes a central issue in American politics.
The White House has faced growing pressure in recent months to provide greater transparency regarding Trump’s physical condition following visible swelling, bruising and circulation-related concerns.
Still, the administration has consistently maintained that Trump remains physically capable of handling the demands of office.
The latest medical report appears designed not only to provide clinical details but also to politically reassure supporters and critics alike about the president’s ability to govern.
Yet the recommendations included in the report — especially regarding exercise, weight management and preventive care — also underline a broader reality confronting aging political leadership globally:
Modern politics increasingly demands extraordinary stamina from leaders operating under relentless public scrutiny, stress, travel schedules and media pressure.
And in an era where every bruise, stumble or health detail becomes instant global news, presidential health is no longer merely a private medical matter.
It has become a political issue in itself.
Also Read: Questions Over Presidential Conduct Intensify Debate On Trump’s Mental State https://www.vibesofindia.com/377447-2/









