For the second time in just six months, President Donald Trump is heading back to Walter Reed Medical Center for what the White House insists is simply another “routine yearly check up.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt tried to keep things low-key in her Wednesday statement, saying the president would merely “stop by” the hospital after meeting with troops stationed there. She even floated the idea that Trump could head to the Middle East shortly after, as if it were just another day at the office.
“On Friday morning, President Trump will visit Walter Reed Medical Center for a planned meeting and remarks with the troops,” Leavitt said. “While there, President Trump will stop by for his routine yearly check up. He will then return to the White House. President Trump is considering going to the Middle East shortly thereafter.”
“Routine” is doing a lot of work here. The visit comes only six months after the president’s last so-called “annual” physical in April. That exam, also at Walter Reed, ended with a glowing report from Trump’s physician, who claimed the 79-year-old president “remains in excellent health, exhibiting robust cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and general physical function,” and noted his “excellent cognitive” condition as well.
The White House hasn’t explained why a second check-up is needed so soon after the first. They also haven’t addressed public concerns about the president’s recent behavior and physical condition.
Over the past month, Trump has gone unusually quiet, skipping public appearances and drawing attention with noticeable bruising on his hands. Vice President JD Vance didn’t help tamp down speculation when he recently said he was prepared to step in “if God forbid, there’s a terrible tragedy” involving Trump.
And while the White House acknowledged in July that Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency—a circulatory condition they described as “benign and common”—that hasn’t stopped the growing murmur of concern about the president’s health.
Some critics have gone further, alleging signs of cognitive decline. They’ve pointed to some of Trump’s more erratic press conferences and public gaffes as cause for alarm. Trump has repeatedly dismissed any such questions, brushing off concerns about his mental acuity and instead attacking the media and political opponents.
