President Donald Trump, 79, sparked fresh controversy by claiming he does not know what part of his body was scanned during a recent MRI — though he insisted, “it wasn’t the brain.”
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as he returned from Florida, the President was questioned about the results of his most recent physical exam.
The MRI results became a focal point in the media after former vice presidential candidate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, responding to a derogatory post shared by Trump, challenged him to release the findings.
The billionaire real estate mogul boldly told reporters: “If you want to have it released, I’ll release it.”
When reporters asked about the purpose of the MRI performed during Trump’s Oct. 10 visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, there was confusion about which area was examined and why the scan was necessary.
He said: “I have no idea … it wasn’t the brain because I took a cognitive test and I aced it.”
Trump, who has a pattern of insulting women in the White House Correspondents’ Association, of which CBS News’ Weijia Jiang is a member, added: “I got a perfect mark, which you would be incapable of doing.”
The Political Backstory: Walz and the “Retarded” Remark
The renewed focus on the President’s health records stems from a political dispute. Trump had slammed Walz as “just plain STUPID” for his stance on an immigration policy.
In a Truth Social targeting Minnesota’s Democratic leader, Trump wrote: “The seriously retarded Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, does nothing, either through fear, incompetence, or both.”
This challenge from Walz set off the latest wave of attention on the President’s MRI results, with overall health and competence intensifying, particularly amid ongoing concerns about the President’s age.
The Mystery of the October Exam
The physical exam on October 10 — out of sync with Trump’s usual annual check-up in April — was intended as part of his “ongoing health maintenance plan.” White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella issued a summary statement affirming the President’s health.
Barbabella stated that the testing, which included lab work and “advanced imaging,” was performed to “ensure optimal cardiovascular health and continued wellness.”
The doctor offered few specifics on the imaging performed, though he insisted Trump’s laboratory results were “exceptional” and that his cardiac age is “approximately 14 years younger than his chronological age.”
In addition to the physical testing, the President received updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. Here is Barbabella’s letter in full:
TO: KAROLINE LEAVITT, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY
FROM: SEAN P. BARBABELLA, D.O. PHYSICIAN TO THE PRESIDENT, CAPTAIN, U.S.
NAVY SUBJECT: Summary of President Donald J. Trump’s Advanced Imaging Results
As part of President Donald J. Trump’s comprehensive executive physical, advanced imaging was performed because men in his age group benefit from a thorough evaluation of cardiovascular and abdominal health. The purpose of this imaging is preventive: to identify issues early, confirm overall health, and ensure he maintains long-term vitality and function.
President Trump’s cardiovascular imaging is perfectly normal. There is no evidence of arterial narrowing that would impair blood flow or of abnormalities in the heart or major vessels. The heart chambers are normal in size, the vessel walls appear smooth and healthy, and there are no signs of inflammation or clotting. Overall, his cardiovascular system shows excellent health.
His abdominal imaging is also perfectly normal. All major organs appear healthy and well perfused. Everything evaluated is functioning within normal limits with no acute or chronic concerns.
SUMMARY: This level of detailed assessment is standard for an executive physical at President Trump’s age and confirms that he remains in excellent overall health.
Despite the White House’s assurance that the President “continues to maintain a demanding daily schedule without restriction,” the lack of clarity on the MRI’s purpose, combined with the President’s own admitted ignorance of the scan’s target, contradicts the practice of transparency dating back to Richard Nixon.
The Broader Health Context
The October tests followed a separate medical visit in July, during which Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that “causes blood to pool in your leg veins, leading to high pressure in those veins.”
As the oldest American to be elected President, Trump’s health remains a highly politicized subject. The President’s flippant comments about the MRI have done little to quell scrutiny of the comprehensive nature and underlying reasons for his recent medical assessments.
In the past few months, a series of incidents has sparked debate and even concern about the President’s health, including:
Confusing Dementia Screening with IQ Test: Trump repeatedly bragged about “acing” a cognitive test at Walter Reed, describing it as a “very hard” IQ test. It was confirmed that it was the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a screening tool for dementia.
Visible Physical Signs: Throughout 2025, photos and videos have revealed visible physical signs of health issues, including noticeable swelling in his ankles and a recurring bruise on his right hand. Trump has attempted to conceal the bruises with bandages and makeup.
Diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): The White House made a rare official admission about the President’s health. In July, the administration confirmed that Trump was diagnosed with CVI, a circulatory disorder that causes blood to pool in leg veins and leads to swelling.
Facial Droop Speculation: footage from the 9/11 anniversary event attended by Trump went viral. With many speculating on social media about a possible stroke or TIA after noticing a temporary droop on one side of his face and tired eyes.
