Trump Discusses Health After Controversial CT Scan

Thu Jan 01 2026 21:36:14 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent interview, President Trump addressed public concerns regarding his health following a CT scan performed at Walter Reed. He revealed details about the scan and reflected on the scrutiny he faces as a 79-year-old President.

President Trump defended his health in a Wall Street Journal interview, clarifying that he underwent a CT scan, not an MRI, during an October evaluation at Walter Reed Medical Center. He expressed regret over the examination, which raised public concern about his health, despite assurances from his physician that results were normal. Trump, who has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding his health and age, discussed various health-related topics, including his daily regimen of aspirin and memories of past health evaluations.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump recently justified his health status in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, disclosing that he had a CT scan and not an MRI scan during an exam at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in October. The President expressed regret for having undergone the scan since it sparked public scrutiny regarding his health.

In December, his physician released a memo stating that the scan was part of a preventative routine screening recommended for men of his age. Initially, Trump misidentified the scan as an MRI but later corrected himself, indicating uncertainty about which part of his body was scanned. CT scans are quicker than MRIs but provide less detailed tissue information.

Navy Captain Sean Barbabella, the President's doctor, explained the rationale behind the CT scan, stating it was a measure to ensure Trump's continued optimal health during his visit. Trump had already undergone an annual physical in April of the same year.

Trump acknowledged that the decision to undergo advanced imaging provided ammunition for those questioning his health. In retrospect, it's too bad I took it because it gave them a little ammunition, he mentioned, stating, nothing's wrong.

As the oldest president in U.S. history at 79, Trump is aware of the public's concern about his health. He discussed issues such as bruising on his hand and swelling in his ankles, a condition linked to chronic venous insufficiency, which he mentioned is common among older adults.

The President has reportedly been taking 325 milligrams of aspirin daily to manage his heart health, despite admitting that he exceeds his doctors' recommended dose. His confidence in his health appears rock solid, as he emphasized the importance of genetics in his overall energy and vitality, attributing his stamina to his hereditary traits.

In regard to media portrayals of him appearing to fall asleep during meetings, Trump clarified he was simply resting his eyes or blinking rather than dozing off. He begins his day early and continues working into the evening, underscoring his robust work ethic despite public concerns.