Former President Donald Trump is set to undergo his first annual medical examination since returning to the White House, placing renewed attention on the health of the 78-year-old Republican leader — now the oldest person ever elected to the presidency of the United States.
The exam is scheduled to take place at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in the Washington suburbs, with Trump expected to spend approximately five hours at the facility starting at 11:00 am (1500 GMT).
Trump has long boasted about his physical fitness and mental acuity, frequently drawing unflattering comparisons to his 82-year-old Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, whom he has often described as mentally unfit and physically frail. However, with the spotlight now firmly on Trump’s own health, questions are being raised about how transparent the administration will be regarding the outcome of the check-up, which is being led by presidential physician Sean Barbabella.
Earlier this week, Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, “I have never felt better, but nevertheless, these things must be done!” Still, the timing and level of detail in the release of the medical findings remain uncertain.
Trump’s medical history has long been a subject of public interest and skepticism. Although he avoids alcohol and cigarettes and is known to be an enthusiastic golfer, he has also drawn attention for his fast food habits and preference for well-done steaks. He does appear visibly slimmer than he did during his first term.
Over the years, Trump’s health reports have sparked controversy. In 2015, his then-personal physician Harold Bornstein issued a glowing report declaring Trump would be “the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency” — a claim Bornstein later revealed was dictated by Trump himself.
During his first term, White House physician Ronny Jackson stated in 2018 that Trump was in “excellent health” and, with better eating habits, could potentially live to be 200 years old. Jackson’s report recommended a weight loss of 10 to 15 pounds and noted that there were no signs of cognitive issues. However, a follow-up exam in 2019 showed Trump had gained weight, tipping the scales at 243 pounds (110 kg) — placing him in the category of clinical obesity. He was also prescribed medication to manage high cholesterol.
Trump has publicly claimed to have passed cognitive tests with ease, including one in 2020 where he famously recalled a sequence of words — “person, woman, man, camera, TV” — during a televised interview.
Age was a pivotal issue during the 2024 presidential election, which featured the oldest match-up in U.S. history. Biden ultimately dropped out of the race following a widely criticized debate performance in June, which amplified concerns over his mental sharpness.
Since reclaiming the presidency, Trump has repeatedly contrasted his own energy with Biden’s perceived decline, while his administration has accused the former White House of obscuring Biden’s deteriorating health.
As Trump’s medical report looms, both supporters and critics await answers about the health of a president who has long resisted full disclosure.
