Recent frequent appearances by a medical analyst on CNN have ignited concerns over President Trump’s health. On Tuesday morning, the President made his third visit in just over a year to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Although President Trump confidently declared that his check-up results were ‘PERFECT,’ liberal commentator David Pakman speculates otherwise. He points to the repeated presence of Dr. Jonathan Reiner on CNN as an indication of potential health issues. Pakman noted, “The medical assessment was so worrisome that Dr. Jonathan Reiner was promptly invited to provide further insights on other programs.”
Challenging the Official Narrative
Dr. Jonathan Reiner, who previously served as Vice President Dick Cheney’s cardiologist, has voiced his concerns about Trump’s health. “I expect a credible explanation for his observable health issues during this examination,” Reiner remarked. He questioned the official explanation of Trump’s bruising as a result of handshakes, suggesting it was not plausible. Moreover, Dr. Reiner pointed out the presence of ‘severe edema’ in Trump’s ankles, challenging the White House’s description of it as chronic acute venous insufficiency. He also observed that the President frequently falls asleep, speculating that he may suffer from ‘chronic insomnia,’ a condition that can elevate the risk of dementia and heart failure. Pakman criticized what he perceives as a ‘PR campaign’ by the White House to convey that Trump is in good health, adding that it “feels theatrical and defensive, fueling more suspicion.”
He falls asleep very often
Throughout the week, Dr. Reiner has been vocal across various media platforms, expressing his concerns about Trump’s health. “The President exhibits severe daytime sleepiness,” Reiner shared with CNN. “He’s been known to fall asleep often, including during meetings in the Oval Office and even in the cabinet room.” Former White House physicians have also hinted at the possibility of underlying health issues. “This administration appears reluctant to acknowledge any health problems, but at nearly 80 years old, medical issues are common,” Reiner told the Washington Post. He criticized the lack of transparency from the White House. Meanwhile, Davis Ingle, a spokesperson for the administration, rebuked Reiner’s comments, alleging a violation of the Hippocratic oath and affirming Trump as “the sharpest, most accessible, and energetic President in American history,” in a statement to The Daily Beast.
Even before the doctor’s report was released, Trump gave himself a good review. ‘Just finished my 6 month physical at Walter Reed Military Medical Center. Everything checked out PERFECTLY,’ the President posted to Truth Social from the motorcade. ‘Thank you to the great Doctors and Staff! Heading back to the White House.’ The checkup comes just weeks before Trump turns 80, and as mysterious bruises continue to raise health concerns about the man who will set the record for the country’s oldest President before he finishes out his second term. At Monday’s Memorial Day service at Arlington National Cemetery, Trump’s right hand was covered with thick makeup. The White House has said the bruising is caused by Trump’s constant handshaking and his daily aspirin regimen. Tuesday’s trip to Walter Reed marks the third time in 13 months that he’s traveled to the medical facility. The first physical of his second term took place in April 2025 and he returned in October for a ‘scheduled follow-up.’ Trump boasted to reporters that he had a ‘perfect MRI’ after his October trip to Walter Reed, prompting his doctor to clarify that he had a CT scan to rule out cardiovascular issues.
Trump’s comments prompted suspicion that the President was hiding a more serious medical condition. But White House Physician Dr. Sean Barbabella said that the test was to rule out any cardiovascular or abdominal health issues, adding that the President remained in ‘excellent overall health.’ Barbabella also said in March that a rash photographed on the side of the President’s neck was caused by a medicated cream used for a preventive skin treatment. Those in Trumpworld have also pushed that the near-octogenarian is healthier than others his age. ‘Dr. Oz looked at his medical records and said he’s got the highest testosterone level that he’s ever seen for an individual over 70 years old,’ Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr recently boasted on an episode of the Katie Miller podcast. And Trump has pushed back on suggestions that he’s fallen asleep during meetings, saying he’s just resting his eyes. Presidents do not legally have to release information about their health. That means the health assessments that are released often paint a rosier picture than what’s actually going on.
During the 2024 campaign cycle, Trump largely escaped old-age questions because he appeared so vigorous in comparison to Biden, but a year and a half into his second term, it appears some concerns are resonating with the American public. He’s lost ground on how Americans perceive both his mental and physical health in recent surveys. A Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos survey from April found that just 40 percent of Americans believe Trump has the mental sharpness to serve as President, down from the 47 percent he scored in September. Last month, 44 percent said Trump was fit enough to do the job, down from 54 percent in September. During Friday’s campaign rally in New York, Trump told the elongated version of the story he tells about acing a cognitive test. ‘And don’t you want to have a smart person as President?’ Trump asked. ‘I said, doctor, I don’t mind being called a brilliant total tyrant dictator, but I don’t want to be called dumb. What do I do, doctor? Is there some kind of test I can take?’ Trump scored a 30 out of 30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment during last year’s physical.
