(AFP) – US President Donald Trump’s health was under scrutiny once again Tuesday as he had his annual medical examination just days before his 80th birthday. The oldest president ever sworn into office, Republican Trump has repeatedly boasted of his mental and physical vigor compared to Democratic predecessor Joe Biden. But the check-up at Walter Reed Military Hospital comes amid speculation about Trump’s well-being due to bruising on his hand and his apparent sleepiness in meetings.
It is Trump’s third physical since returning to office last year. He had a scheduled one in April 2025 followed by an unannounced hospital visit that October — which the White House also billed as an “annual” physical, sparking fresh questions. Trump has faced repeated criticism over a lack of transparency about his health. The White House is expected to release details later Tuesday, but the extent of the detail it gives is at its own discretion.
Trump arrived at the hospital in Bethesda, near Washington, at around 8:50 am (1250 GMT), an AFP reporter in the president’s motorcade said. He is due to hold a policy meeting at 1:30 pm (1730 GMT) at the White House, according to daily guidance on his schedule, with the Iran war top of the agenda. Billionaire Trump turns 80 on June 14 — an event that will coincide with a UFC cage fight held on the White House lawn that is due to be watched by thousands of spectators.
Trump often boasts about his health, saying that he is far fitter than previous presidents despite his weight and a love of fast food. “I feel the same as I did 50 years ago,” Trump said during an Oval Office event earlier this month. “Maybe junk food is good,” added Trump, who is known for his fondness for burgers, steak, and Diet Coke.
But last summer, the White House disclosed that Trump had been evaluated for swelling in his legs and diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency — a common condition in which faulty vein valves allow blood to pool, causing swelling, cramping, and skin changes. The revelation came after Trump was seen with swollen ankles on a number of occasions. Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has also often appeared with bruising on his right hand, usually covered with makeup. He also had a rash on his neck during one Oval Office appearance.
The White House has attributed the marks on his hand to the aspirin he takes as part of a “standard” cardiovascular health regimen. After his October check-up, Trump said an MRI taken during the visit showed his cardiovascular health was “excellent.” His doctor, US Navy Captain Sean Barbabella, wrote in a letter released by the White House at the time that Trump’s cardiac age “was found to be approximately 14 years younger than his chronological age.”
Presidential age has been a recurring theme in US politics in recent years. During the 2024 presidential election, Biden was forced to drop his bid for a second term at the age of 81 after a disastrous debate against Trump. Biden was the oldest ever president to take office — until Trump began his second term. Trump also holds the record for the third oldest president to be inaugurated, from when he began his first term at the age of 70.
– Aurélia END
© 2024 AFP
