President’s Health: A Question That Still Persists

A former vice president’s longtime heart doctor has asked the White House to let reporters speak with the current presidential physician, citing worries after the president’s recent visit to a military medical center and his sudden pause from public duties. The doctor, who also runs a cardiac lab at a university hospital, said that after the president’s latest check‑up and his extended absence from public view, the White House should make the personal physician available to answer questions. The president, who will turn 80 on June 14, is the oldest person to hold the office. Previous reports have mentioned bruises on his hands, rashes near his neck, swollen ankles, an odd sleep pattern and difficulty walking straight. After a physical at the military hospital on May 26, he did not appear in person for almost a week. He returned only to sign an executive order on Wednesday, leaving many still unsure what happened during that time. The latest examination was the third in‑person visit in 13 months. White House medics said he was “excellent” and fully fit for duty, but that statement came three days after the check‑up.The physician who examined him noted his weight at 238 pounds, up from the previous visit, and that he is now on cholesterol‑lowering and heart‑protective medication. His resting heart rate increased from 62 to 73 beats per minute. He also received counseling on diet, aspirin use, more exercise and weight loss. Swelling in his hands was blamed on aspirin and frequent shaking, while ankle swelling was linked to a common age‑related blood circulation issue. The president has visited the military medical center twice last year and had dental appointments in Florida after returning to office. Not everyone trusts the explanations. A state governor asked on social media why the president was not seen in front of a camera after his “perfect” physical. Some doctors, speaking to a business newspaper, said the claim that everything is fine might be “almost too good to be true” given his age. One surgeon described the narrative as filtered, hinting that more questions remain unanswered.