Ask Onix
Trump's physical shows 'excellent health' after advanced imaging, doctor reports
U.S. President Donald Trump remains in "excellent overall health" following a comprehensive executive physical that included advanced imaging of his heart and abdomen, according to a memo released Monday by his White House physician, Captain Sean Barbabella.
Scan results and preventative purpose
The 79-year-old president's imaging results were described as "perfectly normal," with no signs of arterial narrowing or cardiovascular abnormalities, Barbabella wrote. The doctor, a U.S. Navy emergency physician with service in Iraq and Afghanistan, emphasized that the scans were part of a preventative assessment to "identify issues early" and ensure Trump's "long-term vitality."
Barbabella noted that the evaluation was standard for men in Trump's age group, though he did not specify whether the imaging involved an MRI or another modality like a CT scan. The White House had previously declined to clarify the type of scan or the body part examined during Trump's October visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Trump's remarks and prior statements
On Sunday, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he had undergone an MRI but was unsure which part of his body was scanned. "It wasn't the brain, because I took a cognitive test and I aced it," he said. The president had previously described the October MRI as "perfect" and part of his "routine yearly checkup."
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt presented the memo during Monday's briefing, framing it as a transparency effort. "The president promised it last night, and we have it delivered today," she said.
Medical community reactions
Two independent physicians reviewing the memo told the BBC that MRIs are "not typically standard" for preventive care. Dr. Carla Perissinotto, a geriatrics specialist at UCSF, noted that some patients opt for tests beyond standard guidelines. Dr. Jeffrey Linder of Northwestern University added that routine anatomical imaging in asymptomatic patients is generally discouraged due to risks outweighing benefits.
Linder also questioned the memo's claim of "perfectly normal" results, stating that even executive physicals rarely show no coronary calcification. "It's uncommon for everything to come back completely clear," he said.
Recent health observations
Trump has faced public scrutiny over visible health signs, including swollen ankles and bruising on his right hand, as well as moments of appearing to doze off during meetings. In July, the White House confirmed a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, a condition causing leg swelling.
Political context
The release of the memo follows calls from Democrats, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, for transparency about Trump's health given his age and potential second term. The physical's timing-amid heightened political attention-adds weight to the findings, though questions remain about the specifics of the imaging procedures.
