The White House has released an official statement following the announcement that President Donald Trump was taken to the hospital this morning for what officials have described as a “routine checkup.”
The news has reignited public speculation about the 79-year-old president’s health, particularly in light of recent reports and photographs showing signs of visible fatigue and swelling.
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, President Trump was transported to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center early Friday morning (October 10). She confirmed that his visit included both a meeting with military personnel and what the administration referred to as his “yearly medical examination.”
“On Friday morning, President Trump will visit Walter Reed Medical Center for a planned meeting and remarks with the troops,” Leavitt stated. “While there, President Trump will stop by for his routine yearly checkup. He will then return to the White House. President Trump is also considering traveling to the Middle East shortly thereafter.”
While the White House has emphasized that the trip is part of the president’s normal schedule, many have noted that Trump already underwent his annual physical examination just six months ago, raising questions about the need for another so soon. The administration, however, has declined to comment further on the matter.
Concerns about President Trump’s health first surfaced in July, when photographs appeared online showing bruising on his hands and swelling around his ankles. Although the White House downplayed the images at the time, medical experts suggested that such symptoms could be linked to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) — a circulatory condition in which the veins struggle to send blood from the legs back to the heart.
Over the summer, multiple reports confirmed that Trump had been diagnosed with CVI, a condition described by health experts as “benign and common,” especially among older adults. According to the BBC and PBS, the condition affects millions of Americans over the age of 70. It is generally manageable with proper care, though it can cause persistent swelling and discomfort.
Despite these assurances, speculation about Trump’s overall health has continued to grow, particularly after he disappeared from the public eye for several days earlier this year. During that brief absence, false rumors circulated on social media claiming that the president had passed away — rumors that were quickly dismissed once Trump reappeared at a campaign event.
When asked by reporters about those viral claims, Trump laughed off the rumors. “I didn’t hear that one,” he said. “That’s pretty serious stuff.” He later addressed the speculation directly on social media, writing: “NEVER FELT BETTER IN MY LIFE.”
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, the president appeared upbeat and in good spirits. “Good heart. A good soul. Very good soul,” he said, joking that he wanted to “be a little different than Biden.” Trump added, “I took a cognitive test — I don’t know what to tell you other than I got every answer right.”
As of Friday afternoon, White House officials have not provided further details about the length or scope of Trump’s hospital visit but confirmed that he is expected to return to the White House later today.
While supporters have expressed confidence in the president’s resilience, critics argue that the administration should be more transparent about his medical condition, especially given his age and recent health history. For now, the White House maintains that the visit to Walter Reed is nothing more than a routine procedure, emphasizing that President Trump remains “in excellent health and strong leadership spirits.”
Still, with his potential trip to the Middle East approaching and the 2026 political season heating up, questions about the president’s stamina and overall well-being are likely to remain a key topic of discussion in the weeks ahead.