In a recent health assessment, the White House physician has declared that US President Donald Trump is in “excellent cognitive and physical health.” This affirmation comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the health of leaders, particularly in light of their age. The assessment was conducted during Trump’s first annual physical of his second term at a hospital located in the Washington DC metropolitan area.
The report from Captain Sean Barbabella, Trump’s physician, noted that the President’s health status was characterized by robust cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and overall physical functions. Notably, the report also confirmed that Trump has “scarring on the right ear from a gunshot wound,” a result of an assassination attempt that occurred the previous July. As the oldest president ever to assume office at the age of 78, Trump continues to be the center of attention, especially considering the ages of current and former presidents, including Joe Biden, who left office at the age of 82.
During the extensive five-hour medical examination at Walter Reed hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, the President underwent numerous tests, including blood tests, cardiac evaluations, and ultrasounds. Dr. Barbabella emphasized that Trump’s active lifestyle is a significant factor contributing to his good health, stating, “President Trump exhibits excellent cognitive and physical health and is fully fit to execute the duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State.” This proclamation is particularly relevant as public scrutiny around executive health has evolved over recent years, demanding transparency about the mental and physical conditions of those in power.
A vital part of the assessment involved neurological tests, where Trump’s cognitive functions, motor skills, and reflexes were evaluated. He completed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)—a widely recognized tool used to assess cognitive decline— scoring a perfect 30 out of 30. This test involves tasks such as naming animals, drawing a clock, and reciting words after a few minutes, all aimed at identifying early signs of dementia or cognitive impairment.
The physician’s memo outlined additional observations, including instances of “minor sun damage” and a few benign skin lesions. To manage his cholesterol levels, Trump is reportedly prescribed several medications: Rosuvastatin, Ezetimibe, and Aspirin, in addition to Mometasone cream for a skin condition. At the time of the assessment, Trump weighed 224 pounds (101 kg) and stood at 6 feet 2.5 inches tall, indicating a reduction from a previous weight of 243 pounds recorded in February 2019. Although classified as overweight according to Body Mass Index guidelines, Trump is not categorized as obese.
The memo represents the first public health report on Trump following the gunman’s failed assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, which injured him, albeit superficially. During his presidency, previous medical reports also noted concerns regarding Trump’s weight and exercise habits, reinforcing a continuously evolving narrative about health and leadership.
On the campaign trail, Trump frequently critiqued his political opponent, Biden, focusing on his cognitive and physical health. Biden’s reluctance to commit to cognitive testing during his tenure as vice president further fueled this discourse, particularly following what some described as a frustrating debate performance against Trump. The landscape of political health scrutiny remains complex and sensitive, underscoring the challenges leaders face as they balance public expectation with personal well-being.