The White House confirmed early Friday that President Donald Trump was taken to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for what officials called a “routine yearly checkup.” But the surprise visit has stirred fresh speculation about the 79-year-old president’s health — and whether there’s more to the story than meets the eye.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters the trip was “part of a scheduled visit” that included time with military personnel and a standard physical evaluation. “The president remains in excellent spirits and will return later this afternoon,” she said.
Still, few in Washington are convinced it’s business as usual. Trump’s last full medical exam was only six months ago, raising questions about why another “annual” checkup was needed so soon. Sources close to the administration described the visit as “precautionary,” though they acknowledged doctors have been monitoring “circulatory and fatigue-related concerns” in recent months.
Over the summer, photos showing swelling around Trump’s ankles and bruising on his hands sparked speculation online. At the time, aides dismissed the images as “normal signs of aging,” but the conversation intensified after reports surfaced suggesting he was managing chronic venous insufficiency — a condition that affects blood flow from the legs to the heart.
Medical experts say it’s a common and manageable condition for people over 70, though it requires careful monitoring. “It’s not life-threatening, but it can complicate travel or long hours of standing,” explained Dr. Patricia Landers of Johns Hopkins.
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