President Donald Trump revealed Monday aboard Air Force One that he underwent an MRI scan during his visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Friday, October 10, 2025, describing the results as perfect but declining to explain why the imaging test was necessary. The disclosure came as Trump, now 79 and the oldest person ever inaugurated as president, spoke with reporters en route to Tokyo for meetings with Japanese officials.
The president confirmed he received the magnetic resonance imaging scan when asked about his recent medical checkup at the Bethesda, Maryland facility. “I got an MRI. It was perfect,” Trump stated, adding that doctors provided what he characterized as some of the best health reports for someone his age that they had ever seen. When pressed about the reason for the scan, Trump redirected reporters to consult his physicians rather than providing specifics.
Navy Captain Sean Barbabella, the physician to the president, had previously issued a statement following the October visit characterizing it as a scheduled follow-up evaluation that formed part of Trump’s ongoing health maintenance plan. The examination included advanced imaging, laboratory testing and preventive health assessments, though Barbabella’s initial statement did not specifically mention an MRI. The doctor concluded that Trump remains in exceptional health with strong cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological and physical performance.
The October visit marked Trump’s second major medical examination at Walter Reed this year, following a comprehensive annual physical on April 11. Presidential health experts noted that multiple visits to the military medical center within a single year represents an unusual pattern, as commanders-in-chief typically receive one thorough annual examination. The decision to conduct advanced imaging has prompted questions about whether the appointment involved more than routine preventative care.
MRI scans utilize powerful magnetic fields to generate detailed images of internal body structures, proving particularly effective for examining soft tissues, organs and the skeletal system. Medical professionals employ the technology to detect conditions ranging from tumors and muscle tears to bone fractures and neurological issues. The Mayo Clinic notes that while MRI use does not automatically indicate serious health concerns, physicians typically order such imaging when investigating specific symptoms or working to rule out particular conditions rather than as standard screening procedures.
During his Air Force One comments, Trump emphasized his commitment to health transparency, asserting that no other president has provided such comprehensive medical information to the American public. He indicated that any negative health findings would prompt him to reconsider his plans, though he expressed confidence in his current physical condition. Trump also mentioned receiving updated COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations in preparation for his international travel schedule.
The president’s physician had noted in the October evaluation that Trump’s cardiac age, measured through electrocardiogram analysis, registered approximately 14 years younger than his chronological age. Barbabella emphasized that Trump continues maintaining a demanding daily schedule while demonstrating excellent overall health markers. The doctor’s assessment characterized the president’s cardiovascular vitality as particularly strong for someone his age.
Earlier this year, the White House disclosed that Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition affecting blood flow in the leg veins. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that Trump had noticed mild swelling in his lower legs, prompting an evaluation by the White House medical unit. The condition, which prevents veins from efficiently returning blood to the heart and causes pooling in the lower limbs, is considered benign and relatively common among older individuals. Leavitt also addressed visible bruising on the president’s hands, attributing it to frequent handshaking combined with aspirin use for cardiovascular prevention.
Trump spent approximately three hours at Walter Reed during the October visit, which also included time visiting with wounded service members at the facility. The president emphasized his active schedule and robust health while deflecting detailed questions about specific medical procedures or findings. As the second-oldest person to serve as president in American history, Trump would surpass former President Joe Biden’s age record if he completes his full four-year term.
