Former President Trump announced on his media platform, Truth Social, on Friday, January 2, that he had aced his cognitive test for the third consecutive time, with the White House doctor confirming his excellent health.
In his post, Trump wrote: “The White House doctor just reported that my health is in ‘perfect’ condition, and I have aced my cognitive test for the third time in a row. This is a test that no other former president or vice president would be willing to take.”
He added: “PS: I strongly believe that anyone running for president or vice president should be required to undergo a robust, meaningful, and verified cognitive test. Our great country cannot be governed by ‘stupid’ or incompetent people!”
Trump, who will turn 80 on June 14, 2026, was already 78 years and 7 months old when he took office in January 2025, making him the oldest president to be inaugurated in U.S. history.
Recently, there has been some media scrutiny on his health. Previously, he told reporters that he had undergone imaging scans in October 2025 and described the results as “perfect.” However, during an interview with The Wall Street Journal, he clarified that it was a CT scan, not an MRI.
The President expressed regret over undergoing the examination, stating that it led to further questioning. He said: “If I hadn’t done it, I would have been better off, because doing the scan made people say, ‘Oh my, is there a problem with (his health)?’ There was actually no problem at all.”
In late October last year, Trump told journalists that he had undergone a scan, with the results being “perfect,” but he did not explain the reason for the examination. A memorandum released by the White House in December stated that it was merely a preventive screening that men of his age typically undergo.
President’s physician, Navy Commander Sean Barbabella, stated in a statement released on Thursday, January 1, that Trump had completed his annual physical examination in April last year. The October scan was planned as he visited Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to meet with staff and soldiers.
Barbabella explained, “To make the most of the President’s time in the hospital, we recommended another routine assessment to ensure that he continues to have the best health.”
He asked the President if he would be willing to undergo a CT or MRI scan to rule out cardiovascular issues, Trump agreed to the CT scan, which showed no abnormalities. The President is in “excellent overall health.”
White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, also stated in the Thursday release that the President’s doctor and the White House had been consistent in their approach, confirming that the President had undergone advanced imaging examinations. All details were disclosed by Trump himself, as he had “nothing to hide.”
Leavitt praised Trump as the “most transparent and open President in history.”
Regarding concerns about Trump dozing off during meetings and his hearing, he explained in an interview with The Wall Street Journal that occasionally closing his eyes is merely relaxing for him, and sometimes photos capture him in a blink. He denied any hearing issues and revealed that it’s only in situations with many people talking simultaneously that he struggles to hear clearly.
Previously, some media attention was drawn to Trump’s health after photos showing bruising on the back of his right hand and swelling on his ankle surfaced.
The White House disclosed in the summer of 2025 that the President had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition in older adults leading to blood accumulation in the lower legs. Trump mentioned briefly trying compression stockings to manage the swelling but stopped due to dislike.
Leavitt explained that the bruising on the President’s hand came from “frequent handshakes and use of aspirin.” Trump regularly takes aspirin to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
According to Barbabella, Trump takes 325 mg of aspirin daily, exceeding the recommended dose, but he has been taking it for 25 years and is somewhat superstitious about it, unwilling to decrease the dosage.
Trump explained in the interview: “They say aspirin helps thin the blood, and I don’t want thick blood flowing through my heart. I want good, clear blood flowing through my heart. Is that clear?”