At a Glance
- President Trump says he regretted having a CT scan at Walter Reed in October.
- The scan was a preventative screening; results were normal.
- He disclosed details after a Wall Street Journal interview, saying he had no abnormalities.
- Why it matters: Public scrutiny of presidential health continues amid questions about his fitness for office.
In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, President Donald Trump explained why he regretted undergoing a CT scan at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in October, and confirmed the scan showed no abnormalities.
The Imaging Decision
Trump initially described the scan as an MRI, but later clarified it was a CT scan, a quicker form of diagnostic imaging that offers less detail on tissue differences. The doctor, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, recommended the scan to rule out cardiovascular issues before a planned visit to Walter Reed.
- CT scan: quick, less tissue detail
- MRI: detailed, slower
- Purpose: rule out cardiovascular issues
| Imaging | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| CT scan | Quick, less tissue detail | Rule out cardiovascular issues |
| MRI | Detailed, slower | Initial description by Trump |
Trump’s Health Commentary
Trump said he would release the results of the MRI taken during his physical exam the previous month, claiming the findings were perfect, though he could not confirm which part of the body was screened. He also discussed his routine of taking 325 mg of aspirin daily, noting he has been on it for 25 years and prefers it over compression socks for swelling.
President Donald Trump stated:
> I take 325 milligrams of aspirin daily. I have been taking it for 25 years and I’m a little superstitious.
He added that he does not sleep much at night, starts his day early in the White House residence, and works until 7 or 8 p.m.
Public Response
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president’s doctors and the White House have always maintained that advanced imaging was performed, and that Trump has nothing to hide. She also noted that the president’s bruised hands are from frequent handshaking and aspirin use.
- Leavitt: No hidden issues
- Bruising from handshaking and aspirin
- Chronic venous insufficiency diagnosed
Key Takeaways
- Trump regrets the CT scan but confirms normal results.
- He maintains a daily aspirin routine and denies sleeping during meetings.
- White House emphasizes transparency and no hidden health concerns.
The president’s comments add clarity to his health profile amid ongoing public interest.
