Washington, D.C. — On Monday, December 1, 2025, the White House publicly released the results of an MRI scan President Donald Trump underwent in October, declaring his cardiovascular and abdominal imaging “perfectly normal.”
The announcement came one day after the 79-year-old president — the oldest person ever inaugurated — told reporters aboard Air Force One that he had “no idea” which part of his body the MRI examined, only that “it wasn’t the brain” and the results were “perfect.” Trump added that he was willing to make the findings public.
During Monday’s press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt read a detailed letter from Captain Sean Barbabella, the physician to the president:
“As part of President 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 preventative: to identify issues early, confirm overall health, and ensure he maintains long-term vitality and function.”
Barbabella continued:
- Cardiovascular imaging: “Perfectly normal. No evidence of arterial narrowing impairing blood flow or 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.”
- Abdominal imaging: “Also perfectly normal. All major organs appear very healthy and well perfused. Everything evaluated is functioning within normal limits with no acute or chronic concerns.”
Leavitt emphasized the administration’s commitment to transparency, noting, “The president promised it last night and we have delivered today.”
The October MRI was performed during an unannounced second physical exam of the year at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, six months after Trump’s routine annual exam in April. The White House initially did not mention the scan or explain why it was ordered.
In recent months, Trump’s health has drawn increased media and political scrutiny. Photos since early 2025 have shown bruising on his right hand and, on several occasions, noticeably swollen ankles and legs. In July, the White House confirmed the president has chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition that can cause leg swelling. Critics, including some Democratic figures such as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, had called for the MRI results to be released.
Some independent physicians expressed mild surprise at the findings and the use of the scan itself. Geriatric and internal-medicine specialists told outlets including the BBC that whole-body or broad MRI screening is not typically part of standard preventive care for asymptomatic patients Trump’s age, and it is uncommon — though not impossible — for detailed cardiovascular imaging to show literally no coronary calcification or other age-related changes in a 79-year-old. Doctors noted the memo does not specify whether the test was an MRI, CT, or a combination, which makes it harder to assess exactly what was done.
The White House has consistently described both the April and October examinations as routine and has pushed back against what it calls excessive media focus on the president’s health — while frequently pointing out that many of the same outlets paid little attention to President Joe Biden’s physical and cognitive condition before he withdrew from the 2024 race.
For now, the administration says the clean MRI results put any concerns to rest. “This level of detailed assessment…confirms that [President Trump] remains in excellent overall health,” Barbabella concluded in his letter.
