Donald Trump has boasted about his 'perfect' health after another medical checkup at Walter Reed hospital, even as worries about his well-being continue to mount. In his characteristic style, the President immediately took to Truth Social to share the news. 'Just finished my 6-month physical at Walter Reed Military Medical Centre. Everything checked out PERFECTLY,' he wrote.
Details of the Appointment
The so-called 'six-month physical' lasted approximately three and a half hours and was described as his 'annual dental and medical evaluations.' Last autumn, a follow-up appointment was later confirmed to be a CT scan intended to 'rule out any cardiovascular issues.' Trump is notably reticent about his health, which has been a subject of speculation and concern during both his first and second terms. However, he does not hesitate to proclaim his health as 'perfect' compared to his rivals.
Jabs at Biden
In a call with CNBC's Squawk Box earlier this year, Trump took jabs at former President Joe Biden, claiming he 'couldn't walk up the stairs,' while admitting that he himself takes precautions to avoid falling. The nearly 80-year-old President stated: 'I have to be careful because if I do trip or fall, it's gonna be the biggest... That's why when I get out of those planes, I walk nice and slowly. I'm not looking to set any speed records.' Biden notably tripped on the stairs to Air Force One early in his presidency, fell on stage once, and stumbled on stairs on several other public occasions. Trump himself was filmed stumbling on the stairs to Air Force One in July last year and has had difficulty walking in a straight line during public appearances.
Health Concerns
Trump may call Biden 'sleepy Joe,' but he has been seen struggling to stay awake during public events. He nodded off while Medicare administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz began discussing healthcare and fell asleep with his mouth open as a star witness testified during his hush money trial. Large bruises on his hands have also sparked concern among supporters, but he has dismissed them as resulting from 'frequent hand shaking' and his high dosage of aspirin. Others speculate the marks could be from IV drips, thin skin, or his advanced age—he is the oldest sitting president in U.S. history. In July last year, Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where veins struggle to return blood to the heart. White House physician Sean Barbarella has stated that the President is doing well.
Public Doubt
Despite these reassurances, the American public remains skeptical. A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll found that 40% of Americans believe Trump has the mental sharpness to serve as president, down from 47% in September.
