President Donald Trump recently defended his health and energy levels during an interview with The Wall Street Journal. He disclosed details regarding a CT scan conducted during an October examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, which the White House had previously kept under wraps. Trump’s comments come amidst ongoing public scrutiny about his health.
In the interview, Trump expressed regret over undergoing the advanced imaging procedure, saying it inadvertently fueled public speculation about his health. Initially, he referred to the procedure as an MRI but later clarified that it was a CT scan. A CT scan, while quicker, typically provides less detail than an MRI regarding tissue differences. According to Trump’s physician, Navy Captain Sean Barbabella, the CT scan was part of a preventative screening routine for men of Trump’s age.
Barbabella noted that Trump had already completed an annual physical examination in April. “President Trump agreed to meet with the staff and soldiers at Walter Reed Medical Hospital in October. To maximize the President’s time, we recommended he undergo another routine physical evaluation to ensure continued optimal health,” Barbabella stated in a memo released by the White House. The results of the CT scan were reported as “perfectly normal and revealed absolutely no abnormalities.”
In a statement from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, it was emphasized that the President’s medical team has consistently maintained transparency regarding his health. “Additional details on the imaging have been disclosed by the President himself because he has nothing to hide,” Leavitt said.
Reflecting on his decision to undergo the scan, Trump remarked, “In retrospect, it’s too bad I took it because it gave them a little ammunition.” He insisted that his health is in good standing, stating, “Well, nothing’s wrong.”
Trump, now 79 years old, has been sensitive to health-related inquiries, particularly given the scrutiny surrounding President Joe Biden, who turned 82 during his last year in office. Biden’s age has drawn attention as he navigated questions about his fitness for re-election. Simultaneously, concerns about Trump’s health have surfaced this year, particularly following reports of visible bruising on his hand and swelling in his ankles.
The White House revealed in the summer that Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition among older adults. This condition occurs when veins struggle to return blood to the heart, resulting in blood pooling in the lower legs. Trump mentioned that he briefly tried wearing compression socks to manage the swelling but found them uncomfortable.
Leavitt attributed the bruising on Trump’s hand to “frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin,” which he takes regularly to mitigate the risk of heart attack and stroke. Trump disclosed he consumes 325 milligrams of aspirin daily, exceeding his doctor’s recommendations. He explained his long-standing routine, stating, “I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?”
During the interview, Trump also denied accusations of dozing off during White House meetings, asserting he was merely resting his eyes. “Sometimes they’ll take a picture of me blinking, blinking, and they’ll catch me with the blink,” he explained. He emphasized that he has never been a heavy sleeper, starting his day early and typically working until 19:00 or 20:00.
Addressing concerns about his hearing, Trump noted he occasionally struggles to hear in noisy environments but maintained that he possesses ample energy, attributing it to his genetics. “Genetics are very important,” he said. “And I have very good genetics.”
As questions regarding his health continue to arise, Trump’s recent interview serves as a platform for him to assert his vitality and to clarify details surrounding his medical assessments.
