US President Donald Trump has turned 80, becoming the oldest person to serve as president of the United States. While his physician has described him as being in “excellent health”, questions about some visible symptoms and medical examinations have emerged following concerns raised by cardiologist Dr Jonathan Reiner.
Reiner, a professor of medicine and surgery at George Washington University who spent 27 years treating former Vice President Dick Cheney, discussed Trump’s health in an opinion piece published by The New York Times. He did not diagnose Trump, but questioned whether enough medical information has been made public to allow a clear assessment of the president’s health.
What Trump’s physician has said
Trump’s physician, Dr Sean Barbabella, said following a medical evaluation in May that the president remained in “excellent health”. According to Barbabella, Trump’s demanding schedule and physical activity were supporting his overall well-being.
The White House has also disclosed details of some of Trump’s medical conditions and examinations. However, Reiner has sought more clarity on several issues that have been visible in public appearances.
Bruising and swelling raise questions
One issue is the bruising and discolouration seen on Trump’s hands. The White House has attributed the bruising to frequent handshaking and aspirin use, which can increase the likelihood of bruising and bleeding.
Reiner questioned whether those explanations fully account for the pattern, pointing to similar discolouration on Trump’s left hand.
Swelling in Trump’s legs has also drawn attention. A White House physician described it as chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that can affect the return of blood from the legs to the heart. Reiner noted that the president’s May examination reportedly did not mention leg swelling, raising questions about when it developed and how it was evaluated.
Sleepiness and medical tests
Reiner also pointed to instances when Trump appeared to struggle to remain awake at public events. He described this as excessive daytime sleepiness, while noting that such symptoms can have several possible causes and may require medical assessment. Briefly closing one’s eyes or appearing tired in public, however, does not establish a medical condition.
Questions have also surrounded extensive heart and abdominal imaging Trump underwent at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in October 2025. His physician said the tests were intended to detect potential problems early and assess his overall health. Reiner has argued that more information is needed about what prompted the examinations and what they revealed.