Camilla Jessen
Trump returns to hospital after months of hand bruises.
President Donald Trump will undergo his second medical checkup in six months, reigniting concerns over his health after months of visible bruising and swelling.
This was reported by Time Magazine.
Second checkup in six months
President Donald Trump will visit Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on October 10 for what the White House is calling a “routine yearly checkup.”
But the visit — Trump’s second full examination in just six months — has intensified speculation about the president’s health, particularly after months of visible bruising on his hands and reports of swollen ankles.
Oldest serving US president
At 79, Trump is the oldest person ever to serve as U.S. president, surpassing Joe Biden’s record by five months.
Earlier exam declared Trump “fit for duty”
Trump’s first exam of the year took place on April 11 at the same facility.
Led by Dr. Sean Barbabella, the White House physician, the evaluation included lab tests and a cognitive assessment.
At the time, Trump posted on Truth Social, writing:
“I have never felt better, but nevertheless, these things must be done!”
In “excellent health”
Afterward, the White House declared him in “excellent health” and “fully fit” to carry out his duties.
However, that declaration has since been met with skepticism as new health details — including a vascular diagnosis — emerged over the summer
Chronic venous insufficiency
In July, the White House confirmed Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a circulatory condition in which veins struggle to send blood back to the heart, often causing swelling, pain, or discoloration in the limbs.
Too many handshakes
Dr. Barbabella’s letter at the time noted “no signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness,” and attributed Trump’s hand bruises to “soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin.”
Still, images of the president’s discolored hands — sometimes covered with visible makeup — raised questions about whether his condition was being downplayed.
Public concern grows
In recent months, Trump has been photographed with swelling around his ankles and appeared to experience occasional verbal lapses during speeches, sparking renewed discussion about his stamina and cognitive sharpness.
In August, Trump briefly vanished from public appearances for two days, prompting online speculation about a possible medical event.
The White House did not issue a statement at the time.
Vance tries to reassure public
Vice President JD Vance attempted to ease speculation in an interview with USA Today on August 27, praising Trump’s “incredible energy.”
But his comments also raised eyebrows.
“Yes, terrible tragedies happen,” Vance said. “If, God forbid, there’s a terrible tragedy, I can’t think of better on-the-job training than what I’ve gotten over the last 200 days.”
White House insists visit is “routine”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump’s October 10 visit to Walter Reed will coincide with a meeting and speech to U.S. troops, after which he will undergo his annual exam.
“While there, President Trump will stop by for his routine yearly checkup,” Leavitt said in a statement, per CNN. “He will then return to the White House.”
The White House also said Trump is considering a trip to the Middle East shortly after the examination.
Trump brushes off speculation
In a Newsmax interview on October 6, Trump downplayed the health rumors.
“I feel the same or better than I did 30 years ago,” he said. “But let’s not even talk about it because who knows? Life is complex.”
Despite his reassurances, critics say the frequency of his medical visits, the visible signs of vascular issues, and the White House’s vague updates are heightening concerns about transparency.
A turning point in public perception
Trump has long used his rival Joe Biden’s age and fitness as political weapons.
But now, as the president faces his own physical challenges, those same concerns are being reflected back on him.
This article is made and published by Camilla Jessen, which may have used AI in the preparation
