Donald Trump's health returns to the spotlight with his third hospital visit.
Trump’s Hospital Return Puts Bruised Hands and Swollen Legs Back in Focus
May 26 2026, Published 1:02 p.m. ET
President Donald Trump returned to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Tuesday for his third medical visit in 13 months. This visit highlighted visible bruises on his hands, swelling in his legs, and raised concerns about the health of the oldest person to ever become president.
A White House official told ABC News that Trump was scheduled for routine annual dental and medical check-ups during this visit. Reuters reported that Trump went to Walter Reed for his yearly physical as he nears his 80th birthday on June 14.
President Donald Trump says his medicals are perfect.
Throughout much of his political career, Trump has portrayed himself as unusually energetic for his age. He maintains a busy public schedule, often speaks at length during events, and frequently compares his stamina to that of former President Joe Biden.
However, his appearance has drawn attention several times over the past year, particularly after photos showed swollen ankles and bruises on the back of his hand.
The White House addressed these concerns last July after images of Trump’s hand and ankles circulated widely. White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella said tests revealed that Trump had chronic venous insufficiency, a common issue in older adults that can lead to swelling in the lower legs.
Barbabella also reported no signs of deep vein thrombosis, arterial disease, heart failure, kidney problems, or any other serious illnesses.
Barbabella explained that Trump’s hand bruising was consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which Trump takes to prevent cardiovascular issues. He added that “President Trump remains in excellent health.”
These explanations have not lessened the public's interest in Trump’s health. Reuters noted on Tuesday that recent photos showing a blotchy rash on Trump’s neck have also raised concerns.
Barbabella mentioned that Trump uses a common cream for preventative skin treatment, but he has not specified the condition being treated.
Trump’s medical history has come under scrutiny, especially regarding imaging tests he mentioned last year. In October, Trump stated he had an MRI and later clarified that it was part of a second physical exam. He defended the test when reporters questioned it.
“Getting an MRI is very standard,” Trump said. “The doctor said it was the best result he has ever seen as a doctor.”
Trump's hand bruising has come under scrutiny from medical doctors.
Medical experts told Reuters that MRIs are usually not part of regular physicals and are typically ordered when doctors need detailed images of the body. In a memo after that exam, Barbabella noted that Trump’s cardiac age, based on an ECG assessment, was about 14 years younger than his actual age.
Trump has also disputed claims that he appeared to fall asleep during meetings. Discussing a Cabinet session in February, he said he closed his eyes simply because the meeting “got pretty boring.”
“I didn’t sleep,” Trump insisted. “I just closed them because I wanted to get the hell outta here.”
This latest visit to Walter Reed comes as discussions about Trump’s age continue regarding his second term.
The White House maintains that Trump is fit for duty and views the Walter Reed visits as standard care. However, Tuesday’s visit has once again placed the president's visible symptoms and medical updates in the spotlight as he nears another birthday in office.