For several weeks, President Donald Trump has stated that he underwent an MRI at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in October. However, in a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, both Trump and his physician revealed that the procedure was actually a CT scan. Trump clarified, “It wasn’t an MRI. It was less than that. It was a scan.”
Previously, Trump had been adamant about having an MRI, even telling reporters aboard Air Force One that he would “absolutely” release the results. In an earlier statement, he had maintained that the MRI was part of his annual physical exam. The White House has not disclosed the specific reasons for the scan, but in November, Trump indicated it was a routine part of his health assessment.
Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, the president’s physician, confirmed the procedure was indeed a CT scan done to “definitively rule out any cardiovascular issues,” which showed no abnormalities. He provided reassurances that Trump remains in “exceptional health and perfectly suited to execute his duties as Commander in Chief.”
In a contrasting narrative, Trump had first mentioned an MRI in late October as part of what he termed “advanced imaging” tests, claiming, “I got an MRI. It was perfect.” Despite his continued assertions, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the official stance from Trump’s medical team has always been that he received advanced imaging.
Reflecting on the situation, Trump expressed regrets over undergoing the scan, suggesting it has been misused as “ammunition” against him. He conveyed a sense of frustration, asserting that if he hadn’t opted for the scan, it wouldn’t have raised unnecessary speculation regarding his health.
Additionally, Trump touched on his health regimen, noting that the high dosage of aspirin he regularly consumes leads to easy bruising—an issue he has chosen to ignore at the advice of his doctors. The former president explained, “They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart.”
The interview also provided insight into Trump’s public appearances. He addressed criticisms regarding his demeanor at various events, where he appeared to doze off. He explained that closing his eyes is a relaxation technique, emphasizing that it’s often a simple blink misinterpreted by the media.
As discussions about health and fitness continue to resonate, Trump’s situation highlights the intricate balance public figures must maintain between their personal health and public perception. The conversation around health practices, particularly in high-pressure roles, demonstrates that transparency and accountability remain paramount for leaders.