U.S. President Donald Trump will undergo his second medical examination of the year on Friday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, while maintaining that he remains in “great shape.”
Trump, 79, the oldest elected president in U.S. history, is scheduled to address troops at the military hospital before his health assessment. The visit comes just three months after the White House revealed that he had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a benign vein condition, following public speculation about bruising on his hand and swelling in his legs.
Although the White House described the upcoming session as an “annual check-up,” Trump told reporters at the Oval Office on Thursday that it would instead be a “semi-annual physical.”
“I’m in great shape, but I’ll let you know,” he said. “Physically, I feel very good. Mentally, I feel very good.”
Trump, known for his combative tone, took the opportunity to compare his health and mental acuity to that of former presidents — particularly his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden.
“During my last check-up, I also did a cognitive exam — very risky because if I didn’t do well, you’d all report it immediately. But I had a perfect score,” Trump said. “Did Obama do it? No. Did Bush do it? No. Did Biden do it? He wouldn’t have gotten the first three questions right.”
The former president has long faced scrutiny over his medical transparency, despite frequent public interest in the health of U.S. commanders-in-chief.
In July, the White House clarified that Trump’s bruised right hand was related to aspirin he takes as part of a “standard cardiovascular health program.” He is often seen with makeup covering the area during public appearances.
At his last check-up, officials declared Trump in good health, noting a “normal cardiac structure and function” with no signs of heart failure, kidney problems, or systemic illness.
