White House Acknowledges Trump, 79, Underwent MRI Due to Advanced Age

The White House disclosed on Monday that President Donald Trump underwent a preventive MRI last month to examine his heart and abdominal areas. Information regarding the advanced imaging, conducted during Trumps October visit to Walter Reed Military Medical Center, emerged after weeks of unanswered questions about the procedure.

On Sunday, the 79-year-old president told reporters he was willing to share additional details, later criticizing journalists on Air Force One who inquired about the scan as he returned to Washington, D.C., from Florida.

As part of President Donald J. Trumps comprehensive executive physical, advanced imaging was performed because men in his age group benefit from a detailed assessment of cardiovascular and abdominal health, the White House statement read.

The memo, released by Dr. Sean Barbabella, the presidents physician, explained: The purpose of this imaging is preventative: to detect potential issues early, confirm overall health, and ensure long-term vitality and function.

The report noted that Trumps cardiovascular results were normal, showing no arterial narrowing affecting blood flow or abnormalities in the heart or major vessels, and described his cardiovascular system as in excellent health.

Trump had the MRI during a mid-October physical, just six months after his annual check-up in April. While the White House termed it a follow-up evaluation, the president himself revealed the MRI to reporters, emphasizing that the results were excellent.

Typically, MRIs are not standard in routine physical exams, focusing on specific organs or areas, and the White House did not clarify what prompted this scan. When questioned in early November, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said she would check the reason. Over a week later, Trump claimed he was unsure why it had been necessary.

Following continued inquiries, Leavitt read the memo during a press briefing on Monday, stating it was released in an effort of transparency. The document confirmed that all major organs appeared very healthy and well-perfused, with no acute or chronic concerns.

This detailed evaluation is standard for an executive physical at President Trumps age and confirms he remains in excellent overall health, the memo concluded.

The release of the scan aligns with ongoing scrutiny of Trumps health as the oldest U.S. president in office. In July, the White House revealed that he had chronic venous insufficiency, a condition affecting older individuals where leg veins struggle to return blood to the heart. At the time, officials emphasized that his routine remained unchanged and no new medications were prescribed.

Additionally, Trump has been observed with a recurring bruise on his right hand. The White House attributes it to frequent handshaking and regular aspirin use.

Author: Sophia Brooks