For generations, the President of the United States has had to get a physical examination to prove they were fit for office. In February 2024, President Joe Biden was deemed healthy by his physical exam, despite rumours he was ill. Donald Trump recently announced he was getting his physical on Friday 11 April 2025, at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
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President Donald Trump explained the physical examination was mandatory, and he is obliged to get it, although he feels healthy. He posted on his Truth Social account:
I have never felt better, but nevertheless, these things must be done.
What does the medical exam entail?
Traditionally, presidents get their physical examination at the hospital in Maryland, and the results are later revealed by the White House appointed physician.
The exam usually includes blood tests, screenings, and checks for vitals such as blood pressure and heart rate. It also involves neurological tests to check his mental status, along with nerve, motor and sensory functions.
The 78-year-old politician has often claimed his physical and mental health were much better than his predecessor, President Joe Biden, especially during the latest presidential campaign. By the end of his second term, Donald Trump will be 82 years old, making him the oldest sitting president in US history.
While the results of the presidents' physical examination are mostly made public, some politicians may choose to keep them to themselves. Indeed, they are under no obligation to reveal the results, according to S. Jay Olshansky, a professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Illinois Chicago. The medical expert explained:
Keep in mind, medical records are private. Presidents do not have to reveal their medical records.
Donald Trump's 2025 results
Initially it was unknown whether Trump would publicise his results, however following his five-hour-long examination on Friday his White House physician, Captain Sean Barbabella, confirmed:
President Trump remains in excellent health, exhibiting robust cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and general physical function.
According to his memo, Trump had to undergo several tests including neurological tests to assess his cognitive health. It seems like the POTUS passed everything with flying colours.
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
The report also revealed what kind of medication Trump has been taking, which as per BBC inclues medicines to control his cholesterol, aspirin for cardiac prevention, and he also uses a cream for a skin condition.
His health results during his first term
During his first term in office, Donald Trump was deemed to be the 'healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency' by his personal physician, Dr. Harold Bornstein. In 2015, he declared in an open letter:
I am pleased to report that President Trump's overall health is excellent. His physical exams were well within the normal range and his cognitive exams were exceptional.
The President's exams showed he was reportedly well within the norms for people his age. He also improved his health by losing some weight, still according to his personal physician:
In addition, his most recent extensive laboratory analysis remains well within normal limits and was even more favorable than prior testing in some of the most significant parameters, most likely secondary to weight reduction. Cardiovascular studies are all normal and cancer screening tests are all negative. President Trump has reduced his weight through an improved diet and continued daily physical activity, while maintaining a rigorous schedule.
In 2018, Dr. Harold Bornstein revealed to CNN that the letter he wrote had been dictated to him by the President himself.
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Sources used:
Newsweek: Donald Trump To Have Physical Examination This Week: What To Know
NPR: Trump is getting a physical. What will be included in the report?
BBC: Trump in excellent health, says White House doctor
