Trump heads to Walter Reed for third medical checkup of second term amid renewed health scrutiny
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump is set to visit Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Tuesday, May 26, for a medical and dental checkup, marking his third in-person doctor’s visit in just over a year during his second term in office.
According to a White House official, the appointment is part of the president’s routine healthcare schedule. Trump previously visited Walter Reed in April and October 2025 and also attended dental appointments in West Palm Beach twice this year, including a follow-up visit earlier this month.
The upcoming checkup comes as Trump approaches his 80th birthday next month, making him the oldest person ever to assume the US presidency.
Health questions continue to follow Trump
Trump has repeatedly insisted he remains in strong physical condition and frequently highlights his energy levels and active public schedule.
During the 2024 campaign and throughout his second term, he often contrasted his fitness with former President Joe Biden, whom he mocked as “Sleepy Joe.”
Still, public scrutiny surrounding Trump’s health has continued amid speculation over visible bruising on his hand, occasional moments in which he appeared fatigued during public appearances and concerns linked to his age.
The White House has previously attributed bruising on Trump’s hand to frequent handshakes and his use of aspirin as a blood thinner.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal published in January, Trump defended his aspirin use, saying it helped maintain healthy blood circulation.
"Aspirin is good for thinning out blood," Trump said, adding that he did not want “thick blood” affecting his heart.
Previous medical issues disclosed
Last year, the White House disclosed that Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency after doctors evaluated mild swelling in his legs. The condition, which affects blood flow in the veins, prompted further monitoring, but officials insisted there were no serious complications.
Trump’s October 2025 visit to Walter Reed initially drew attention after the White House described it as a routine follow-up appointment. The president later revealed he had undergone additional imaging during the visit.
Presidential physician Sean Barbabella later clarified that doctors conducted a CT scan of Trump’s heart and abdomen to rule out possible cardiovascular concerns. According to Barbabella, the advanced imaging results were “perfectly normal” and showed “absolutely no abnormalities.”
White House continues to emphasize president's fitness
Following Trump’s April 2025 examination, Barbabella released a statement declaring that the president remained in “excellent health” with “robust cardiac, pulmonary, neurological and general physical function.”
The physician also pointed to Trump’s demanding schedule, noting his participation in high-level meetings, public events, media appearances and golf competitions.
The White House has consistently sought to portray Trump as physically capable of handling the pressures of office, even as his age and recurring medical evaluations continue to attract public and political attention ahead of another intense election cycle.
