White House Physician Confirms "Excellent Health"
The White House on Sunday released President Donald Trump's first comprehensive health assessment since his return to office, declaring him in "excellent health" with notable improvements. White House physician Sean Barbabella reported Trump has lost 20 pounds since 2020, achieved a perfect cognitive assessment score, and maintains a robust health profile despite being the oldest president ever sworn into office. The report offers unprecedented transparency about the 78-year-old president's physical condition.
Key Health Findings Show Significant Improvements
President Trump's physical examination, conducted at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, yielded remarkably positive results according to the official report. The 6-foot-3 president now weighs 224 pounds, down from 244 pounds during his last presidential physical in 2020 NBC News1. This weight reduction represents a significant health improvement for the 78-year-old commander-in-chief.
"President Trump remains in excellent health, exhibiting robust cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and general physical function," Dr. Barbabella wrote in the official memo People2. The report highlighted normal results across multiple vital health metrics, including heart, lungs, eyes, hearing, and abdominal examinations.
Perhaps most notably, the president achieved a perfect score of 30 out of 30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, a screening tool designed to detect mild cognitive impairment and early dementia NBC News1. This perfect score comes amid heightened public interest in the cognitive capabilities of America's oldest serving president.
Medical History and Current Treatment Regimen
The comprehensive health report also detailed President Trump's medication regimen and recent medical procedures. According to the released memo, Trump currently takes two medications for cholesterol control—Rosuvastatin and Ezetimibe—along with Aspirin for cardiac prevention People2. The president also uses Mometasone cream as needed for skin conditions.
Recent medical procedures were also disclosed in the report. Trump has undergone cataract surgery on both eyes, though specific dates were not provided People2. Additionally, in July 2024, he had a colonoscopy that revealed both a benign polyp and diverticulosis, a condition affecting the wall of the colon New York Times3.
The dermatological examination noted "some minor sun damage and a few benign lesions," which are being treated with the prescribed topical medication NBC News1. The report also confirmed that all of Trump's recommended vaccinations are current, including those required for international travel.
Presidential Lifestyle Factors Into Health Assessment
Dr. Barbabella specifically highlighted Trump's active lifestyle as a significant contributor to his overall well-being. "His active lifestyle continues to contribute significantly to his well-being," the White House physician wrote NBC News1.
The report further elaborated that Trump's days "include participation in multiple meetings, public appearances, press availability, and frequent victories in golf events" People2. These activities were presented as evidence of the president's physical vitality and cognitive sharpness.
In a statement posted to his Truth Social account earlier in the week, Trump himself expressed confidence in his health condition: "I have never felt better, but nevertheless, these things must be done!" People2. Following the examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Trump told reporters he felt he was in "good shape" with "a good heart, a good soul, a very good soul" Politico4.
Historical Context of Presidential Health Transparency
This health report represents the first public accounting of Trump's health since January 2025, when he became the oldest man ever sworn into presidential office New York Times3. The level of detail provided marks a departure from Trump's first term, during which he was criticized for being notoriously secretive about his health records.
"President Trump exhibits excellent cognitive and physical health and is fully fit to execute the duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State," Barbabella concluded in the memo NBC News1. This definitive statement addresses concerns about Trump's capacity to fulfill his presidential responsibilities given his advanced age.
The report also acknowledged that Trump has been treated for high cholesterol, which is now described as "well controlled" Reuters5. This level of transparency stands in contrast to previous health disclosures during his first administration and throughout his 2024 campaign.
Expert Perspectives on Presidential Health Disclosures
Medical professionals view the comprehensive nature of this health assessment as significant, especially in the context of presidential transparency. The detailed report follows standard protocols for presidential health examinations, which typically include assessments from multiple specialists.
The inclusion of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score is particularly notable. This screening tool, which tests various cognitive domains including attention, concentration, executive functions, memory, language, and orientation, has become increasingly relevant in presidential health discussions as the average age of presidents has increased ABC News6.
A score above 26 on this assessment is generally considered normal, making Trump's perfect 30 out of 30 score an indicator of strong cognitive function NBC News7.
Political Implications of the Health Report
The release of Trump's health information carries significant political implications, particularly given the ongoing discussions about age and fitness for office in American politics. At 78, Trump is the oldest serving president in American history, making his physical and cognitive capabilities matters of public interest.
The timing of this health report—approximately three months into his second term—also establishes a precedent for transparency that stakeholders across the political spectrum will likely reference throughout his presidency.
The White House's decision to release such detailed health information may also be seen as a strategic move to address concerns about Trump's age and health that emerged during the 2024 campaign season, when he did not release updated medical records People2.
Future Health Monitoring and Public Disclosure Plans
While the current report provides extensive details about the president's health status, it does not specify any scheduled follow-up examinations or future disclosure plans. Standard practice for presidential health monitoring typically includes annual physical examinations with public disclosure of results.
The reference to Trump's weight loss since his previous physical in 2020 suggests that comparative analysis will likely be a component of future health reports. This would allow for tracking of the president's health metrics throughout his second term.
The White House has not indicated whether additional cognitive assessments will be conducted routinely, though the inclusion of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score in this report may establish a precedent for such evaluations going forward.
Conclusion: A New Baseline for Presidential Health Transparency
President Trump's comprehensive health assessment reveals a president in "excellent health" with significant improvements since his previous term, including substantial weight loss and perfect cognitive test results. The detailed disclosure establishes a new baseline for health transparency in his second administration.
As the oldest president in American history continues to serve, how will this level of health disclosure influence public perceptions and expectations for future presidential administrations? The precedent set by this comprehensive report may reshape standards for presidential health transparency for generations to come.
