Trump faces health questions ahead of annual Walter Reed physical
This will be Trump's fourth medical exam during his second term in office, ahead of his 80th birthday on June 14.
Zac AndersonPresident Donald Trump is expected to undergo the fourth medical exam of his second term on Tuesday as his 80th birthday approaches next month and he faces questions about his health.
The White House announced earlier this month that Trump would receive his annual dental and medical exam on May 26 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Trump, who turns 80 on June 14, is the oldest person ever elected to the presidency, and his health has been in the spotlight in recent months. He has experienced bruising on his hands, swelling in his lower legs and a rash on his neck.
The president and his doctors say he is in good health.
"I feel the same as I felt 50 years ago," Trump said May 4 at a White House event. "I'm not a senior. I'm far younger than a senior."
Trump attributes the bruising to his aspirin intake, which he said is more than his doctor recommends. Aspirin can help prevent blood clots by thinning the blood.
Trump's doctor, Sean Barbabella, said in a letter released by the White House last year that the president’s leg swelling was the result of "chronic venous insufficiency," a benign and common condition especially in people over 70.
Trump has questioned the mental fitness of former President Joe Biden, prompting added scrutiny of his own abilities. He regularly says that he "aced" the cognitive exams that are part of his medical evaluations.
After shutting his eyes for long stretches during public appearances, including during a Dec. 2 Cabinet meeting, Trump faced questions about whether he was dozing off, which he denied. Meanwhile, he has maintained a rigorous public schedule.
Trump’s last medical exam was in October, when he received a CT scan. Barbabella said the scan was "preventative" and the results were "perfectly normal."
Barbabella described the test as part of a comprehensive review of Trump's heart and abdominal health, which he said are good, adding the scan "confirms that he remains in excellent overall health."
Contributing: Joey Garrison, USA TODAY.