WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump underwent his annual physical examination on Friday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. At 78 years old, Trump became the oldest person in U.S. history to be inaugurated as president in January. Trump, who expressed feeling better than ever, spent more than five hours at the medical center before departing for Florida for the weekend, notably avoiding reporters both before and after the exam.
Throughout his tenure, Trump has been known to keep details about his health private, a sharp contrast to his vocal critiques of predecessor Joe Biden’s physical and mental acuity. Despite suspicions of lacking transparency in this regard, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt assured reporters that Trump was undergoing his routine and pre-scheduled physical, promising a comprehensive report from the White House physician. Leavitt confirmed that the president was in good shape and did not require anesthesia for the examination.
The latest physical examination could provide the first public information on Trump’s health since an assassination attempt in July. Historical comparisons reveal that Trump is three years younger than Biden, yet was inaugurated at an older age. Unlike past presidents who have shared detailed medical records, Trump has chosen to disclose limited information about his health. Previous reports have highlighted general positive remarks, but have lacked specific metrics such as weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Trump’s previous medical history includes treatment for COVID-19 at Walter Reed in 2020, during which contradicting reports about his condition surfaced. Despite these health challenges, Trump has maintained a reserved approach in sharing his health status with the public. The president’s reluctance to provide detailed medical updates has sparked curiosity and scrutiny, as the public seeks transparency about the health of their elected leader.