Trump, in interview, defends his energy and health, offers new details on screening he underwent
Share this @internewscast.com

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, President Donald Trump addressed concerns about his health, clarifying details about a medical examination he underwent in October. Trump revealed that contrary to initial reports, he had a CT scan rather than an MRI during his visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. This information comes after a period of speculation due to limited details being shared by the White House at the time.

The president expressed some regret over the decision to have the scan, acknowledging that it sparked public speculation about his health. However, Trump’s physician, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, had previously explained in a December memo that the “advanced imaging” was a routine preventative screening, common for men of Trump’s age.

Initially, Trump had mentioned the procedure as an MRI but admitted uncertainty about which part of his body was examined. It’s worth noting that a CT scan, while less detailed than an MRI, is a quicker diagnostic tool.

Navy Capt. Barbabella elaborated on the circumstances surrounding the examination, noting that Trump’s October visit to Walter Reed was primarily to meet with staff and soldiers. Given the president’s presence at the medical center, Barbabella recommended a routine physical evaluation to maximize the visit’s benefits.

“President Trump agreed to meet with the staff and soldiers at Walter Reed Medical Hospital in October. In order to make the most of the President’s time at the hospital, we recommended he undergo another routine physical evaluation to ensure continued optimal health,” Barbabella explained.

To ensure no cardiovascular concerns were present, Barbabella advised either a CT scan or MRI. The results, according to Barbabella, were “perfectly normal,” showing no abnormalities and affirming the president’s health status.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement Thursday that the president’s doctors and the White House have “always maintained the President received advanced imaging” but said that “additional details on the imaging have been disclosed by the President himself” because he “has nothing to hide.”

“In retrospect, it’s too bad I took it because it gave them a little ammunition,” Trump said in the interview with The Wall Street Journal published Thursday. “I would have been a lot better off if they didn’t, because the fact that I took it said, ‘Oh gee, is something wrong?’ Well, nothing’s wrong.”

The 79-year-old became the oldest person to take the oath of office when he was sworn in as president last year and has been sensitive to questions about his health, particularly as he has repeatedly questioned his predecessor Joe Biden’s fitness for office.

Biden, who turned 82 in the last year of his presidency, was dogged the end of the his tenure and during his abandoned attempt to seek reelection over scrutiny of his age and mental acuity.

But questions have also swirled around Trump’s health this year as he’s been seen with bruising on the back of his right hand that has been conspicuous despite a slathering of makeup on top, along with noticeable swelling at his ankles.

The White House this summer said the president had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition among older adults. The condition happens when veins in the legs can’t properly carry blood back to the heart and it pools in the lower legs.

In the interview, Trump said he briefly tried wearing compression socks to address the swelling but stopped because he didn’t like them.

The bruising on Trump’s hand, according to Leavitt, is from “frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin,” which Trump takes regularly to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

He said he takes more aspirin than his doctors recommend but said he has resisted taking less because he’s been taking it for 25 years and said he is “a little superstitious.” Trump takes 325 milligrams of aspirin daily, according to Barbabella.

“They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart,” Trump said. “I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?”

Trump, in the interview, denied he has fallen asleep during White House meetings when cameras have caught him with his eyes closed, instead insisting he was resting his eyes or blinking.

“I’ll just close. It’s very relaxing to me,” he said. “Sometimes they’ll take a picture of me blinking, blinking, and they’ll catch me with the blink.”

He said that he’s never slept much at night, a habit he also described during his first term, and said he starts his day early in the White House residence before moving to the Oval Office around 10 a.m. and working until 7 p.m. or 8 p.m.

The president dismissed questions about his hearing, saying he only struggled to hear “when there’s a lot of people talking,” and said he has plenty of energy, which he credited to his genes.

“Genetics are very important,” he said. “And I have very good genetics.”

Copyright © 2026 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Luxury real estate moguls hit with new allegations in sex trafficking case

Real Estate Moguls’ Trial Looms as Alexander Brothers Face Cruise Ship Assault Charges

In a dramatic development, federal prosecutors have intensified their case against the…
Trump's pick for Iceland ambassador apologizes for joking about Arctic nation becoming 52nd state

Trump’s Nominee for Iceland Ambassador Issues Apology for Comment on Arctic Nation’s Potential Statehood

Former Congressman Billy Long, who was recently selected by former President Donald…
Texas police officer gunned down by wanted fugitive in violent arrest attempt: officials

Wanted Fugitive Fatally Shoots Texas Police Officer During Arrest, Authorities Report

Tragedy struck in Texas as a police officer was shot and killed…
Latin Kings gang member accused of vandalizing FBI vehicle, stealing government property in Minneapolis

Latin Kings Member Charged with Vandalizing FBI Vehicle and Theft of Government Property in Minneapolis

A member of the notorious Latin Kings gang has been taken into…
Rep. Nydia Velázquez endorses Antonio Reynoso, goes toe-to-toe with Mamdani

Rep. Nydia Velázquez Backs Antonio Reynoso, Faces Off Against Mamdani in Political Showdown

Though Rep. Nydia Velázquez is preparing to retire, she is not stepping…
Two men found dead near Springfield home, prompting homicide investigation

Homicide Investigation Launched After Two Men Discovered Dead Near Springfield Residence

In a grim discovery on Thursday afternoon, Jacksonville police responded to a…
Tyler Robinson, the defendant in Charlie Kirk's shooting death, asks judge to disqualify prosecutors

Tyler Robinson Seeks Judge’s Intervention to Remove Prosecutors in Charlie Kirk Shooting Case

A Utah man, charged with the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk,…
Ohio dentist murders gun match a ‘big problem’ for surgeon ex: Defense attorney

Ohio Dentist Murder Case: Forensic Gun Evidence Poses Major Challenge for Surgeon Ex-Partner

A gun retrieved from Michael McKee’s property in Illinois has been preliminarily…
Tesla dealership arsonist learns prison sentence after pleading guilty in Cybertruck torching

Arsonist Sentenced Following Guilty Plea in Tesla Cybertruck Dealership Fire

An Arizona man has been sentenced to five years in prison for…
A prosecutor’s child witnessed Charlie Kirk’s assassination — can he take part in the case?

Prosecutor’s Involvement Questioned After Child Witnesses Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

PROVO, Utah — The defense team for a Utah electrician, charged with…
El Niño chances returning for 2026. Here's what it means for United States

El Niño Expected to Reemerge in 2026: Implications for the United States

La Niña and El Niño represent two distinct phases of the El…
Former DePaul University basketball players charged in point-shaving scheme, according to indictment

Ex-DePaul Basketball Stars Indicted in Alleged Point-Shaving Scandal

In a startling revelation, a recently unsealed indictment has implicated several former…