President Donald Trump returned to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center this week for another medical evaluation, prompting renewed public discussion about his health after recent appearances showed visible bruising and swelling on his hands.
The visit, which took place on May 26, lasted several hours before Trump was seen leaving the Bethesda, Maryland, facility in his motorcade. Shortly afterward, the president addressed the appointment directly on Truth Social.
“Just finished my 6 month physical at Walter Reed Military Medical Center. Everything checked out PERFECTLY. Thank you to the great Doctors and Staff! Heading back to the White House,” Trump wrote.
According to reports, this marked Trump’s fourth public hospital visit since returning to office. The 79-year-old president has also undergone multiple medical checkups over the past year, drawing increasing attention to the health challenges associated with aging in high office.
Questions Over Bruising and Swelling
Public interest surrounding Trump’s health intensified after recent photos captured bruising, swelling, and bandages on his hands during several public appearances, including international events and official ceremonies.
Images from the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year showed visible bruising on the back of Trump’s hand, while later appearances at the Kennedy Center Honors and White House meetings revealed additional bandages and discoloration.
The White House has repeatedly dismissed concerns, explaining that the bruising is linked to Trump’s daily aspirin regimen and frequent handshaking.
Trump himself previously said he takes a high dose of aspirin for heart health and acknowledged that the medication can cause bruising.
“I take the big aspirin,” Trump told reporters earlier this year. “When you take the big aspirin they tell you, you bruise.”
Former White House Doctor Weighs In
Former White House physician Dr. Jeffrey Kuhlman said routine monitoring is common for presidents in their late 70s and 80s, especially when evaluating cardiovascular health, neurological function, and cancer risks.
Kuhlman explained that advanced imaging procedures such as MRIs, CAT scans, ultrasounds, and stress tests are often performed at Walter Reed because the facility is equipped for specialized evaluations not available inside the White House medical unit.
He also noted that bruising and swelling can sometimes have harmless explanations, though he stressed the importance of medical transparency for public officials.
White House Maintains Trump Is in Excellent Health
Earlier official health reports released by Trump’s physicians described him as being in strong physical and cognitive condition.
Medical summaries noted that the president showed no signs of neurological decline and achieved a perfect score on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, a commonly used cognitive screening test.
The reports also stated that Trump’s cholesterol levels, cardiovascular health, and other routine medical conditions were being effectively managed through medication and ongoing monitoring.
Despite continued speculation online, White House officials insist the president remains fully capable of carrying out his duties.
Still, every new appearance — especially those showing visible bruising or bandages — continues to fuel public curiosity about the health of the oldest president ever inaugurated in the United States.