Trump Clarifies Health Exam Results
President Donald Trump recently disclosed that during his medical examination in October, he underwent a CT scan rather than an MRI. He and his team have consistently stressed that the results were normal and healthy.
“That wasn’t an MRI,” Trump shared with the Wall Street Journal in an article published on New Year’s Day. “It was less than that. It was a scan.”
Attention around Trump’s health has surged, especially after reports indicated he had an MRI at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland last October. This exam marked Trump’s second in 2025, following a visit from Navy Capt. Sean P. Barbavera, the White House physician, in April. According to Trump, he “remains in excellent health.”
This clarification about his CT scan comes amid scrutiny from Democrats and some media outlets, who’ve raised concerns about his age—79—and noted visible bruises on his hands along with swollen ankles. Trump commented that he regrets getting tested.
“Looking back, it’s too bad I took it because it gave them a little bit of ammunition. The fact that I took it was like, ‘Hey, is something wrong? Well, nothing’s wrong,'” Trump stated.
MRI and CT scans are both imaging techniques, yet they function differently. CT scans use X-rays to produce detailed cross-sectional images, while MRI scans utilize magnetic fields and radio waves, which typically yield even more intricate visuals. However, CT scans are quicker to administer, making them favored in emergency situations.
Trump has frequently rebuffed worries regarding his mental and physical capacities. He mentioned to reporters that he “passed” a third cognitive function test, further asserting, “White House doctors have reported that I am in ‘perfect health’ and have ‘passed’ three consecutive cognitive tests.” He expressed strong support for requiring cognitive evaluations for candidates running for presidential or vice-presidential offices, declaring that the U.S. cannot be managed by “stupid” or incompetent individuals.
Barbabera explained in a statement that physicians initially planned either an MRI or CT scan during Trump’s October examination and confirmed that all results were “totally normal.” He noted, “To make the most of the President’s time in the hospital, I recommended regular physical examinations to ensure he continues to maintain optimal health.” After assessing Trump, Barbabera concluded that his health status corresponds to someone 14 years younger.
The White House press secretary, Caroline Levitt, commented that the clarity about Trump’s recent scan reflects his commitment to transparency, contrasting it with the previous administration’s approach. She pointed to ongoing scrutiny over Trump’s age and health, including public discussions about photos where he appeared to have swollen feet and visible bruises. Levitt attributed the swelling to a common condition among older individuals and the bruises to frequent handshakes and aspirin use.
Trump acknowledged he has been taking more aspirin than recommended, attributing it to a bit of superstition due to his long-standing habits. He mentioned, “They say aspirin is good for thinning the blood, but I don’t want thick blood to flow into the heart. I want thin, good blood flowing through my heart.” He also defended himself against claims of dozing off during meetings, insisting that images purporting to show him asleep were mere coincidences of timing.
This heightened focus on Trump’s health resurfaces amid a noticeable lack of scrutiny directed at former President Joe Biden’s mental sharpness, despite questions raised by conservatives as the 2020 election approaches. Interestingly, serious critiques of Biden didn’t gain traction until mid-2024, particularly following a debate performance that many considered faltering.
Trump’s administration has underscored what they view as biased media coverage surrounding his health, suggesting that journalists selectively report on issues of mental acuity in leaders.
