Trump is seeing doctors for his annual physical. What the public finds out is up to him

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump underwent a medical examination on Tuesday, placing his health under fresh public scrutiny amidst ongoing concerns related to his age and stamina.

At the age of 79, the president visited Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for what the White House characterized as annual preventive medical and dental checkups. This marks Trump's fourth publicly disclosed medical examination since he commenced his second term in office, coinciding with his efforts to project strength as he approaches midterm elections that will evaluate his influence among voters.

Historically, U.S. administrations have released selective results from presidential physicals, providing the public with insight into the health of the head of state. However, these results are subject to review by the White House and must receive the president's approval, leading to questions regarding the transparency of the information shared with the public.

As Trump prepares to turn 80 next month, he is notable for being the oldest individual ever elected as United States president. His predecessor, President Joe Biden, left office at 82 and exited the 2024 presidential race, primarily due to significant concerns about his age’s implications for his capacity to serve.

A poll conducted by Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos in April revealed that fewer than half of U.S. adults believe Trump possesses the mental acuity or physical fitness necessary for effective presidential service.

"I believe that concern for the president's physical well-being is likely at an all-time high, with advanced age being the primary worry," remarked Dr. Jeffrey Kuhlman, who served as a White House physician for over a decade under Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.

According to Kuhlman, a complete physical for a president of Trump's age would typically include extensive heart testing, cancer screenings, cognitive evaluations, and basic assessments such as height, weight, and blood pressure.

While the White House has not disclosed specifics regarding the visit, they have voiced confidence in the anticipated outcomes.

"President Trump is the most sharp and accessible President in American history, tirelessly working to address issues and fulfill his commitments, and he remains in excellent health," stated White House spokesperson Davis Ingle.

No law requiring presidents to disclose their medical records

In the lead-up to this visit, Trump has expressed that he feels as fit as he did five decades ago, even as he humorously alludes to his preference for fast food and minimal exercise. However, he is also aware of how perceptions about his age may affect his image, being careful while descending the steps from Air Force One to prevent any narratives surrounding potential missteps.

There exists no legal mandate requiring presidents to publicize their health records, and the level of transparency varies across different administrations. Previous medical reports from Trump have faced criticism for lacking detailed information and presenting data that some medical experts have scrutinized.

During public appearances, Trump has been noted to wear makeup to mask bruises on his hands, a condition the White House attributes to handshaking and routine aspirin use. Occasionally, he appears drowsy during meetings and has been observed to close his eyes for extended periods, although he contests that he has not fallen asleep.

Trump often claims to have excelled in cognitive assessments, while he frequently disparages Biden concerning questions regarding mental fitness. Biden and his team have forcefully countered doubts raised about his capability to serve.

Some of Trump's previous physical examinations have featured the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, which is utilized for screening dementia and cognitive impairments. At checkups in 2018 and 2025, his physicians reported a perfect score of 30 out of 30.

Nevertheless, critics have cited Trump's sometimes disjointed speeches and aggressive rhetoric as indicators of cognitive decline.

Recently, a statement from over 30 neurologists, psychiatrists, and other medical professionals—who admitted they have not examined him—concluded that Trump was mentally unfit for office and cautioned against an "increasingly dangerous decline" in his behavior, citing "objectively observable signs of serious medical concern."

"Any so-called medical experts engaging in armchair diagnosis or unfounded speculation for political reasons are clearly violating the Hippocratic Oath they have sworn to uphold," Ingle remarked.

Presidents, like any other individuals, retain the authority to determine what health information is disclosed, according to Sara Rosenthal, a bioethicist at the University of Kentucky focusing on presidential health. Concerns regarding transparency have intensified as the United States elects older presidents such as Trump and Biden, she noted.

"I anticipate minimal disclosure regarding the actual health status of any president unless they are in flawless health," said Rosenthal, who advocates for the establishment of an independent medical oversight body to assess and report on the health status of the president and others in the presidential line of succession.

'Nothing should be hidden'

Trump's initial medical report in his second term was made public last April. In July, he received a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, a prevalent condition among older individuals characterized by blood pooling in the veins. Photographs have shown the president with swollen feet, ankles, and calves, which the White House attributes to chronic venous insufficiency causing "mild swelling" in his lower extremities.

Following his most recent publicly disclosed examination, described as a routine follow-up last October, Trump's physician provided a brief summary indicating that the president was in "exceptional health" without revealing many specifics.

The frequency of Trump's medical evaluations is not unusual for someone his age, according to S. Jay Olshansky of the University of Illinois-Chicago, who has researched the health of former presidents. This practice is part of a proactive strategy to identify health issues while they are still manageable, Olshansky noted.

He emphasizes that the public deserves access to more than the medical summaries provided by the White House, which "may be subject to editorial discretion." Full, unredacted medical records should be made public, he asserted: "Nothing should be hidden."

The White House has not confirmed whether Trump's visit will involve any procedures that may necessitate anesthesia. Trump's last colonoscopy was performed in 2024, with a follow-up recommended in three years.

In the event Trump requires anesthesia, Vice President JD Vance would be expected to assume temporary authority in accordance with the 25th Amendment. This situation last occurred in 2021 when Vice President Kamala Harris was temporarily sworn in while Biden underwent a colonoscopy. President George W. Bush similarly transferred power to Vice President Dick Cheney on two occasions.