AnnaMaria
Donald Trump has long insisted that he is in excellent health, a claim supported by official medical evaluations. However, recent observations and comments from medical professionals are prompting renewed debate.
In April, the White House released a medical report from Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, stating that the former president is fully fit to serve. According to the report, Trump is 75 inches tall (190.5 cm) and weighs 224 pounds (101.6 kg). Tests of his heart, eyes, ears, and throat were described as normal. The report also noted past cataract surgery, prescribed medications, and a recent colonoscopy that found a benign polyp and mild diverticulitis. Dr. Barbabella concluded that Trump’s physical and neurological health was robust, crediting his active lifestyle.
Trump reinforced that assessment himself, telling reporters he had taken a cognitive test and answered every question correctly, adding that the exam included multiple evaluations, including heart tests.
Despite this, some experts remain unconvinced.
Psychologist Dr. John Gartner, a former Johns Hopkins University Medical School instructor, has publicly questioned Trump’s current condition. In a recent interview, Gartner suggested that Trump may be showing early signs of frontotemporal dementia, a degenerative disorder that can affect behavior, speech, and movement.
Gartner pointed to noticeable changes in Trump’s motor skills, comparing footage from the 1980s to recent appearances. He noted that Trump once appeared agile and coordinated, while more recent videos show difficulty with balance, climbing stairs, and frequent stumbling. According to Gartner, neurologists he consulted highlighted a specific gait pattern, including a pronounced swing of the right leg, as a potential warning sign.
Online speculation has further intensified, with images and videos circulating that suggest Trump may be wearing a catheter under his clothing. These claims have not been confirmed or denied by Trump’s team.
Another medical professional, Dr. Zoffman, reportedly reviewed similar footage and told Gartner she was convinced the gait pattern was consistent with frontotemporal dementia.
Trump and his representatives have not responded to these claims, and the April medical report remains the only official statement on his health.
As discussion continues, the situation highlights ongoing questions about how much health information political leaders should disclose. Just that.
