BETHESDA: President Donald Trump’s health was under scrutiny once again as he had his annual medical examination on Tuesday — just days before his 80th birthday next month.

The oldest president ever sworn into office, Trump has repeatedly boasted of his mental and physical vigour compared to predecessor Joe Biden.

But the check-up at Walter Reed Military Hospital comes amid speculation about Trump’s well-being due to bruising on his hand and his apparent sleepiness in meetings.

It is his third physical since returning to office last year. He had a scheduled one in April last year, followed by an unannounced hospital visit that October — which the White House also billed as an “annual” physical, sparking fresh questions.

US president has faced criticism for not being transparent about his health in the past

Trump has faced repeated criticism over a lack of transparency about his health.

The billionaire president turns 80 on June 14 _ an event that will coincide with a UFC cage fight held on the White House lawn that is due to be watched by thousands of spectators.

Trump often boasts about his health, saying that he is far fitter than previous presidents despite his weight and a love of fast food.

“I feel the same as I did 50 years ago,” Trump said during an Oval Office event earlier this month.

“Maybe junk food is good,” added Trump, who is known for his fondness for burgers, steak and Diet Coke.

Vein problem

But last summer, the White House disclosed that Trump had been evaluated for swelling in his legs and diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency — a common condition in which faulty vein valves allow blood to pool, causing swelling, cramping and skin changes.

The revelation came after Trump was seen with swollen ankles on a number of occasions.

Since returning to office last year, Trump has also often appeared with bruising on his right hand, usually covered with makeup. He also had a rash on his neck during an Oval Office appearance.

The White House has attributed the marks on his hand to the aspirin he takes as part of a “standard” cardiovascular health regimen.

After his October check-up, the president said an MRI taken during the visit showed his cardiovascular health was “excellent”. His doctor, Navy Captain Sean Barbabella, wrote in a letter at the time that Trump’s cardiac age “was found to be approximately 14 years younger than his chronological age”.

Presidential age has been a recurring theme in US politics in recent years.

During the 2024 presidential election, Biden was forced to drop his bid for a second term at the age of 81 after a disastrous debate against Trump.

Biden was the oldest ever president to take office until Trump began his second term. Trump also holds the record for the third oldest president to be inaugurated, from when he began his first term at the age of 70 in 2017.

Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2026