Next month, President Donald Trump is going to take his yearly physical exam at the prestigious Walter Reed National Medical Center. This update was shared with Newsweek on Saturday by the White House communications team, with the statement attributed to Dr. Sean Barbabella, Trump’s personal physician.
At 78 years old, President Trump has long been vocal about the importance of maintaining his physical health, particularly during the 2020 election. During that time, he frequently highlighted his stamina and energy in comparison to his opponents—former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, both of whom are younger but also in their 70s.
Trump holds the distinction of being the oldest person ever to be inaugurated as president. At 78 years and 220 days old, he took the oath of office in 2021, just slightly ahead of Biden, who was inaugurated at 78 years and 61 days old. Prior to his second term, Trump was also the oldest president in U.S. history when he took office for the first time in 2017 at 70 years and 220 days old.
During his first term, Trump’s health was often a topic of discussion. His 2020 physical exam raised concerns about his weight and elevated blood pressure, but his physician at the time, Navy Dr. Sean Conley, assured the public that Trump remained in overall good health. Despite the concerns, Dr. Conley confirmed that there were no significant changes to his health.
While presidents are not legally required to release the details of their physical exams, it has become a longstanding tradition in American politics. President Richard Nixon was the first to make his medical report public, and this practice has continued since.
In a recent move, Trump appointed Dr. Barbabella, a decorated U.S. Navy captain with extensive experience in combat medicine, as his personal physician. Barbabella, who has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, replaces Dr. Conley. Some experts speculate that this appointment may be a precautionary measure in response to security threats against the president.
Trump’s upcoming physical exam will include standard health checks like blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, heart rate, and weight. However, the exam does not typically include a cognitive or psychiatric assessment, according to reports.
Known for his distinctive diet, Trump abstains from alcohol and smoking but has long enjoyed fast food, particularly McDonald’s. A widely circulated photo from his 2020 victory celebration shows him enjoying a meal on his private jet with high-profile figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Elon Musk, and his son Donald Trump Jr.
Dr. Barbabella confirmed that the date of Trump’s physical exam will be made public in the coming weeks, ensuring transparency and continued trust with the American people.