WASHINGTON (AP) — In a candid interview with The Wall Street Journal, former President Donald Trump clarified his recent health evaluations following a CT scan he underwent at Walter Reed Medical Center. Initially referring to the imaging as an MRI, Trump expressed regret about the ensuing public speculation regarding his health.
Trump explained that the advanced imaging was performed during a mid-October visit intended to meet medical staff, and he hadn't planned for the screening to become a focal point of public discussion. The results, according to his physician, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, were ‘perfectly normal’ and showed no abnormalities, dispelling any immediate concerns.
Despite the clarity provided by the results, Trump lamented the unnecessary attention drawn to his health, commenting, “In retrospect, it’s too bad I took it because it gave them a little ammunition.” The former president insisted that he has maintained overall good health and continually works to ensure optimal well-being.
Barbabella emphasized that the CT scan or MRI was suggested purely as a precaution due to Trump’s age and routine evaluations. While Trump defended his energy levels and denied any health challenges, he conceded that he had been seen with visible bruising and swelling that has intrigued observers, attributing this condition to frequent handshaking and his aspirin regimen.
In light of questions surrounding the aging leadership in the United States, Trump’s remarks bring additional context as he positions himself amid discussions of fitness and capability among political figures. His disclosures on health habits, daily routines, and an openness about his medical care suggest an attempt to quell rumors even as he engages with the narratives surrounding political longevity.
