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When Trump Finally Admits: It Wasn’t an MRI, Just a CT Scan

Jacques Pj Provost

2026-06-21 00:08:06

Walter Reed and the “Perfect” Checkups

Let’s go back to October 2025. Donald Trump heads to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for what is billed as a routine checkup—a standard semiannual visit for a sitting president. Nothing out of the ordinary, in theory. U.S. presidents undergo regular medical checkups, and the results are generally released to the public in the form of medical memos of varying levels of detail. But with Trump, nothing is ever simple. As soon as he leaves Walter Reed, the president starts talking about a “perfect MRI.” “I had an MRI. It was perfect,” he tells reporters. “I gave you all the results. We did an MRI—the whole machine, the whole process—and it was perfect.” This emphasis on the “perfection” of the results is typical of Trump’s style. Nothing is ever simply “normal” or “satisfactory.” Everything must be “perfect,” “extraordinary,” “the best.” But beyond the usual superlatives, there’s this repeated assertion: an MRI. Not a CT scan. Not “advanced imaging.” An MRI. The term is specific, technical, and Trump repeats it with a confidence that leaves no room for doubt. Except that it wasn’t true. At the time, no one knew this. Journalists reported the president’s statements without questioning them. Why would they have? Trump had just been discharged from a prestigious military hospital, accompanied by his personal physician. There was no reason to doubt his account of the type of test he’d undergone.

But in hindsight, several red flags should have been raised. First, the White House never released a detailed medical report immediately after the October visit. Contrary to standard practice—where a memo from the presidential physician is quickly released to reassure the public—it took several weeks before an official document was published. And when that document finally arrived on December 1, it referred to “advanced imaging” without specifying whether it was an MRI or a CT scan. This deliberate vagueness allowed Trump to continue referring to an MRI without being technically contradicted by the official documents. Then there were the questions from reporters. On Air Force One, Trump was asked about his willingness to release the results of his MRI. “Absolutely,” he replied. “I’m going to release them.” But those results were never released in full. Barbabella’s memo from December 1 was vague, merely stating that the imaging was “perfectly normal” without providing any technical details. No numbers, no precise measurements, no comparisons with previous exams. Just a general assurance that everything was fine. For a president who constantly boasts about his transparency and accuses his opponents of withholding medical information, this lack of transparency is ironic, to say the least.

The First Public Statements

Trump’s statements about his alleged MRI were not limited to a single occasion. He repeated this claim on several occasions, in different contexts, and before different audiences. Each time, the message was the same: I had an MRI, the results are perfect, my health is exceptional. This constant repetition served a clear purpose: to counter growing speculation about his health. Because yes, there was speculation. And for good reason. In the preceding months, Trump had been photographed with visible bruises on his hands—marks that had raised questions about possible clotting issues or vascular fragility. He had also been seen closing his eyes during public meetings, giving the impression that he was dozing off or losing his train of thought. During a Cabinet meeting in December, images of Trump with his eyes closed went viral on social media, fueling comments about his fatigue, his age, and his ability to carry out his presidential duties. Faced with this criticism, Trump adopted his usual strategy: going on the offensive. Rather than ignoring the speculation or providing detailed medical explanations, he chose to hammer home a simple, reassuring message: “I had an MRI. It was perfect.” This was supposed to settle the debate, put an end to the questions, and reassure the public. But in reality, it only fueled doubts.

Because the more Trump insisted on the perfection of his MRI, the more people wondered why he was talking about it so much. If everything was really fine, why the obsession with repeating it? Why the need to convince everyone that his health was “perfect”? Presidents in good health don’t spend their time talking about their medical exams. They release a report, answer questions if necessary, and move on. But Trump couldn’t move on. He was stuck in a loop of his own making, forced to defend a narrative he himself had constructed. And that narrative was beginning to crack. Journalists were asking more and more questions. Why an MRI? For what specific medical reason? Which parts of the body had been examined? What were the precise results, beyond simply “perfect”? The White House remained evasive, referring to the president’s statements and Barbabella’s memo. But these answers satisfied no one. They only reinforced the impression that something was being concealed, that the full truth was not being revealed. And that impression, as is often the case with Trump, was justified. Because there had been no MRI. There had been a CT scan. And all along, Trump was lying. Or mistaken. Or both.

There is something deeply unsettling about this ability to create an alternative reality and stick to it at all costs. Trump doesn’t just lie occasionally, as all politicians do to varying degrees. He constructs parallel universes where facts are whatever he decides they are. An MRI becomes a CT scan, but it doesn’t matter, because in his mind, it was an MRI. And if it was an MRI in his mind, then it was an MRI, period. This disconnect from objective reality is dizzying. And dangerous.

Section 3: CT Scan or MRI—A Difference That Matters

Two Technologies, Two Medical Realities

To understand why this confusion between CT scans and MRIs is not trivial, we must first understand what these two technologies are and how they differ. Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the body’s organs and soft tissues. It is particularly effective for examining the brain, spinal cord, joints, muscles, and certain internal organs. MRI does not produce any ionizing radiation, making it a safer option for repeated exams. However, it takes longer—usually between 30 and 60 minutes—and requires the patient to lie still inside a narrow tube, which can be uncomfortable or anxiety-inducing for some people. A CT scan, or computed tomography, uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the body. These images can be combined to produce a three-dimensional view of internal structures. A CT scan is particularly useful for detecting bone problems, tumors, blood clots, internal bleeding, and cardiovascular abnormalities. It is much faster than an MRI—often taking less than 10 minutes—but exposes the patient to a dose of radiation, although this is generally considered safe for occasional use. In terms of what they reveal, the two tests provide different and complementary information. An MRI is superior for visualizing soft tissues and detecting subtle neurological abnormalities. A CT scan is more effective at identifying structural problems, calcifications, and vascular obstructions.

So why is this distinction important in Trump’s case? Because the type of test performed offers clues as to what the doctors were looking for. If Trump had actually undergone an MRI, it would have suggested a concern regarding his brain, spinal cord, or soft tissues—perhaps concerns about his cognitive function, signs of dementia, or neurological problems. A brain MRI is the gold standard for assessing cognitive health in older adults. In contrast, a cardiovascular and abdominal CT scan—which is what Trump actually underwent—indicates that doctors wanted to check his heart, blood vessels, and abdominal organs. This is a routine test for someone his age, especially with a history of cardiovascular problems or risk factors such as obesity, lack of exercise, and a high-fat diet. Dr. Barbabella confirmed that the scan was performed “to definitively rule out any cardiovascular issues.” This suggests that doctors had reasons to want to check the condition of Trump’s cardiovascular system, even though the scan revealed no abnormalities. But by referring to an MRI rather than a CT scan, Trump muddied the waters. He created the impression that he had undergone a thorough neurological examination, which might have addressed questions about his cognitive function. In reality, however, the test he underwent focused primarily on his heart and abdominal organs.

Why This Confusion Is Not Trivial

This terminological confusion is not just a simple communication error. It reveals something deeper about how Trump and his team handle information regarding his health. By referring to an MRI rather than a CT scan, Trump created a narrative that served his political interests. An MRI sounds more impressive, more comprehensive, and more reassuring. It’s the test people associate with a thorough health assessment, particularly of brain health. By claiming to have had a “perfect MRI,” Trump was sending a clear message: my brain is functioning perfectly, my cognitive health is impeccable, and all your concerns are unfounded. Except that wasn’t true. He hadn’t had an MRI. He’d had a cardiovascular and abdominal CT scan. An important test, to be sure, but one that doesn’t answer questions about his cognitive function. This manipulation of information is all the more problematic because it takes place in a political context where the age and health of leaders have become major issues. Trump spent years attacking Joe Biden over his mental faculties, suggesting that he was too old, too tired, and too confused to be president. He turned Biden’s age into a formidable political weapon, helping to create a public perception of cognitive decline that ultimately played a role in Biden’s decision not to run again in 2024.

But now, at 79, Trump faces the same questions. Images of him closing his eyes during public meetings, the bruises on his hands, and reports of swelling in his legs—all of this fuels speculation about his health. And instead of addressing these concerns with transparency and honesty, Trump opts for manipulation and lies. He invents an MRI that never took place. He speaks of “perfect” results without providing details. He accuses his critics of creating false controversies when he is the one who created the confusion in the first place. This approach is nothing new. Trump has always had a complicated relationship with the truth, especially when it comes to his own image. He has lied about his height, weight, wealth, and accomplishments. Why would he stop at his health? But in the case of a sitting president, these lies have consequences. They erode public trust. They create a climate of suspicion where no one knows what is true and what isn’t anymore. They set a dangerous precedent where the president’s medical information can be manipulated, distorted, or fabricated to suit the political needs of the moment. And above all, they raise a fundamental question: if Trump lies about something as verifiable as a medical exam, what else is he lying about?

What astounds me is the audacity. Lying about a medical exam means lying about something that’s easily verifiable. Medical records exist. Doctors know what they’ve done. And yet, Trump lied for weeks, knowing full well that the truth would eventually come out. But perhaps that’s precisely his strategy. Lying so often, so brazenly, that people eventually give up on the very idea of truth. Creating a fog so thick that no one knows what’s real and what isn’t anymore. It’s exhausting. And that’s exactly what he wants.

Section 4: Presidential Regret, or The Art of Playing the Victim

“I should have done nothing at all”

In his interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump doesn’t just admit that he confused a CT scan with an MRI. He goes further. He expresses regret. But not the kind of regret one might expect. No remorse for misleading the public. No acknowledgment of having caused confusion. No. Trump regrets having undergone the test in the first place. “In hindsight, it’s a shame I did it because it gave them a little ammunition,” he told the newspaper. “I would have been much better off if they hadn’t done it, because the fact that I did it made people say, ‘Oh, is something wrong?’ Well, nothing is wrong.” This statement is revealing on several levels. First, it shows that Trump views medical transparency not as a democratic obligation, but as a political vulnerability. For him, undergoing a medical exam and speaking publicly about it is not an act of accountability toward citizens who have the right to know whether their president is in good health. It is a tactical mistake that gives his opponents “ammunition.” This utilitarian view of transparency is deeply problematic. It suggests that Trump discloses information about his health only when it is politically advantageous for him, and that he regrets doing so when it backfires.

Furthermore, this statement reveals a fundamental inability to take responsibility for his own actions. Trump does not say, “I should have been clearer about the type of exam I underwent.” He does not say, “I regret causing confusion.” He says, “I should have done nothing at all.” ” In other words, the problem isn’t that he lied or made a mistake. The problem is that he was transparent in the first place. This twisted logic is typical of Trump. When something goes wrong, it’s never his fault. It’s the fault of those who ask questions, those who fact-check, and those who dare to challenge his version of events. In this case, the problem isn’t that he claimed for weeks that he’d had an MRI when he hadn’t. The problem is that people noticed the contradiction and asked questions. Ultimately, this statement shows just how obsessed Trump is with his image and the public’s perception of his health. He doesn’t regret the exam itself—which, according to his doctor, revealed no abnormalities. He regrets that the exam drew attention to his health, sparking speculation and questions. For Trump, the ideal situation would be to never have to talk about his health, to never have to undergo a medical exam, and to never have to answer questions about his age or physical condition. But that’s not how democracy works.

Transparency as a Double-Edged Sword

The irony of the situation is that Trump has trapped himself. By constantly talking about his so-called MRI, insisting on the “perfection” of the results, and promising to release the details, he created expectations he could not meet. If Trump had simply let the White House release a standard medical memo after his visit to Walter Reed in October—without fanfare or repeated statements—this story likely would never have taken on the magnitude it has today. But Trump can’t help but talk. He can’t resist the urge to brag, to defend himself, to control the narrative. And in this case, that compulsion led him to create a story that ultimately backfired on him. Transparency regarding the president’s health is a sensitive issue. On the one hand, citizens have the right to know whether their president is physically and mentally capable of performing his duties. On the other hand, presidents are entitled to a certain degree of medical privacy, and not every detail of their health is necessarily relevant to the public. The challenge is to strike a balance between these two imperatives. Historically, this balance has been difficult to achieve. Some presidents have been remarkably transparent about their health, releasing detailed medical reports and openly answering questions. Others have concealed serious health problems, sometimes with the complicity of their doctors and inner circle.

Franklin D. Roosevelt concealed the extent of his paralysis from the American public. John F. Kennedy concealed his numerous health problems and his dependence on medication. Ronald Reagan downplayed the early signs of his Alzheimer’s disease. More recently, Joe Biden faced accusations of a cover-up regarding his cognitive decline—accusations that ultimately contributed to his decision not to seek re-election. Trump, for his part, has always taken an erratic approach to medical transparency. During his first presidential campaign in 2016, he released a letter from his personal physician stating that he would be “the fittest president in history”—a claim so hyperbolic that it immediately drew skepticism. Later, that same doctor admitted that Trump had dictated the letter himself. During his presidency, Trump was hospitalized for COVID-19 in 2020, and details of his condition were carefully controlled by the White House, creating considerable confusion about the severity of his illness. Now, with this incident involving a CT scan presented as an MRI, Trump is continuing in the same vein: controlling information, manipulating the narrative, and playing the victim when things don’t go as planned. This approach serves neither Trump nor the public. It creates mistrust, fuels speculation, and erodes the credibility of any future medical information the White House might release.

I’m tired of this constant victimization. Trump lies, gets caught, and then complains about being persecuted. It’s a pattern that repeats itself over and over again, on every topic, in every context. And every time, his supporters believe him, defend him, and attack those who dare to point out the contradictions. It’s an exhausting cycle that leads nowhere, except toward an ever-deeper erosion of truth and trust. And the worst part is that it works. Because by constantly lying, contradicting himself, and creating chaos, Trump has managed to wear everyone down. And tired people are people who give up, who stop fact-checking, who accept anything.

Section 5: Aspirin, That Dangerous Obsession

An Excessive Dose for 25 Years

Trump’s interview with The Wall Street Journal isn’t limited to confusing CT scans with MRIs. It also reveals troubling details about his medical habits, particularly his aspirin use. Trump admitted that he has been taking a daily dose of aspirin higher than what his doctors recommend—and has been doing so for 25 years. “They say aspirin is good for thinning the blood, and I don’t want thick blood flowing through my heart,” Trump told the newspaper. “I want thin, nice blood flowing through my heart. Does that make sense?” This statement, as candid as it may be, raises several medical concerns. Aspirin is indeed used as an anticoagulant to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people at high cardiovascular risk. However, the recommended dose varies by individual, and an excessive dose can lead to serious side effects, including gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and an increased risk of cerebral hemorrhage. The fact that Trump admits to taking more aspirin than recommended by his doctors is concerning. It suggests that he is making medical decisions based on his own beliefs rather than on the advice of healthcare professionals. Trump has said he is “a little superstitious” about his aspirin dosage, explaining that he has been taking it for so long that he doesn’t want to change, even if his doctors advise him to.

This superstitious approach to medicine is troubling for a 79-year-old president. Medicine is not a matter of superstition or personal rituals. It is a science based on evidence, studies, and recommendations developed by experts. Ignoring medical advice because one is “superstitious” is a dangerous attitude, especially for someone in Trump’s position. Dr. Barbabella has not publicly commented on Trump’s aspirin dosage, but it is clear that the president’s doctors have tried to convince him to reduce his intake. The fact that Trump has refused suggests a problematic dynamic in which the patient—even if he is the president of the United States—believes he knows better than his doctors. This attitude is not unique to Trump. Many people, particularly those who have lived with certain habits for a long time, resist changes recommended by their doctors. But in the case of a president, this resistance takes on a different dimension. If Trump cannot follow basic medical advice regarding his aspirin dosage, what other recommendations is he ignoring? What other aspects of his health is he managing based on his own beliefs rather than on best medical practices? These questions are all the more relevant given that Trump has shown visible signs of health problems in recent months.

Visible Bruises and Flimsy Explanations

The bruises on Trump’s hands have been the subject of much speculation in recent months. Photos showing him with purplish or brownish marks on his hands have circulated on social media, fueling theories about possible clotting issues, vascular fragility, or other medical conditions. The White House has attempted to downplay these concerns, attributing the bruises to “frequent handshakes” and the use of aspirin. In a memo published in the summer of 2025, Dr. Barbabella wrote: “This is consistent with minor soft-tissue irritation due to frequent handshakes and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen. ” This explanation, while plausible, raises more questions than it answers. Handshakes, even frequent ones, rarely cause visible bruises in healthy people. The fact that Trump bruises so easily suggests increased vascular fragility, possibly exacerbated by his excessive aspirin use. Aspirin, by thinning the blood, does indeed make it easier to develop bruises and slower for them to heal. But such pronounced and frequent bruising could also indicate other underlying issues, such as vitamin deficiencies, coagulation disorders, or side effects from other medications.

The fact that Trump refuses to reduce his aspirin dose despite these visible bruises is particularly concerning. This suggests that he prioritizes his own beliefs about what is good for his health over physical evidence and medical advice. This stubbornness could have serious consequences. Excessive aspirin use, combined with other risk factors such as age, obesity, and lack of exercise, significantly increases the risk of internal bleeding, gastrointestinal ulcers, and cerebral hemorrhages. These risks are not theoretical. They are real and well-documented. And yet, Trump continues to take more aspirin than recommended, guided by superstition rather than science. Beyond the bruises, there have been other visible signs of potential health problems. In the summer of 2025, Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a benign but telling condition that affects blood circulation in the legs. This condition was discovered after Trump noticed swelling in his legs. Although Barbabella assured that the examination revealed no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease, the diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency is consistent with Trump’s risk profile: advanced age, lack of exercise, and prolonged sitting. Trump admitted to trying compression socks to treat the swelling, but he quickly gave them up. “I didn’t like them,” he told the Wall Street Journal, adding that he had started walking more and that the situation had improved.

This stubborn refusal to heed medical advice baffles me. Trump has access to the best doctors in the country, unlimited medical resources, and cutting-edge technology. And yet, he chooses to follow his own instincts, his own superstitions, his own beliefs. That is his right, of course. But it is also deeply irresponsible for someone who holds the most important office in the country. Because his health is not just a personal matter. It affects his ability to govern, to make decisions, and to represent the country. And if Trump can’t trust his own doctors on something as simple as a dose of aspirin, how can we trust him on far more complex decisions?

Section 6: The Tell-Tale Signs

Closing His Eyes in Public

Beyond bruises and circulatory issues, Trump has been observed on several occasions closing his eyes during public events, giving the impression that he is dozing off or losing his train of thought. These incidents have been widely discussed on social media and in the press, fueling speculation about his fatigue, his age, and his ability to stay focused for long periods of time. One of the most notable examples occurred during a Cabinet meeting in December 2025. Videos showing Trump with his eyes closed while other Cabinet members were speaking went viral online, prompting comparisons to similar incidents involving Joe Biden. Another incident occurred during an announcement in November regarding the reduction in the cost of weight-loss medications. Once again, Trump was filmed with his eyes closed, seemingly disconnected from what was happening around him. Faced with this criticism, Trump offered a surprising explanation, to say the least, in his interview with the Wall Street Journal. “I just close my eyes. It’s very relaxing for me,” he said. “Sometimes they take a picture of me blinking, and they catch me in the blink.” This explanation—that the photos simply show him blinking—is hard to believe given the duration and frequency of these incidents. A blink lasts a fraction of a second. The videos showing Trump with his eyes closed last several seconds, or even longer.

The Wall Street Journal reports that White House staff have advised Trump to try to keep his eyes open during public events, a recommendation that suggests even those around him recognize that this behavior is problematic. Furthermore, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles reportedly asked Cabinet members to shorten their presentations, apparently to maintain Trump’s attention. These adjustments are telling. They suggest that Trump has difficulty staying focused for long periods of time, and that his team must adapt events and meetings to accommodate his limitations. This is an implicit acknowledgment that something is wrong, even if no one wants to admit it openly. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services who was present at the November event where Trump appeared to doze off, offered his own interpretation. He told the Wall Street Journal that he believed Trump had simply been bored. “He was bored,” Oz said, as if that explained or excused the behavior. But even if Trump was bored, is it acceptable for a president to close his eyes and zone out during important public events? Is this the behavior expected of a 79-year-old leader who insists his health is “perfect”?

Swollen Legs and Compression Socks

Trump’s diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency in the summer of 2025 added another piece to the puzzle of his health. This condition, though benign according to Dr. Barbabella, is indicative of the physical challenges Trump faces at age 79. Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the veins in the legs have difficulty returning blood to the heart, causing blood to pool in the legs and leading to swelling, heaviness, and sometimes pain. It is a common condition among older adults, particularly those who spend a lot of time sitting or standing, who are overweight, or who lack regular exercise. Trump fits all of these criteria. He spends long hours sitting at his desk, in meetings, or traveling. He is overweight, a fact he himself has acknowledged on several occasions. And he avoids traditional exercise, preferring golf as his sole form of physical activity. The standard treatment for chronic venous insufficiency includes compression stockings, regularly elevating the legs, increasing physical activity, and, in some cases, medication or surgery. Trump has admitted to trying compression stockings, but he quickly stopped wearing them because he didn’t like them. This decision, while understandable from a personal comfort standpoint, is medically counterproductive.

Compression stockings are one of the most effective treatments for chronic venous insufficiency. They help improve blood circulation, reduce swelling, and prevent potential complications such as venous ulcers or blood clots. By refusing to wear them, Trump is choosing immediate comfort at the expense of his long-term health. Trump told the Wall Street Journal that he had started walking more and that the swelling had improved. This is good news, and it shows that Trump is capable of making positive changes when he wants to. But it also raises the question: Why did it take a medical diagnosis for Trump to start walking more? Why didn’t he adopt these habits sooner, before the problems arose? The answer, most likely, is that Trump doesn’t like exercise. He said so explicitly in his interview. “I just don’t like it. It’s boring,” he said, referring to exercising on a treadmill. “Walking or running on a treadmill for hours and hours like some people do—that’s not for me.” ” This aversion to exercise is understandable—many people find exercise boring—but it’s also problematic for someone of Trump’s age with his cardiovascular risk factors. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to maintain cardiovascular health, control weight, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.

I watch Trump refuse compression socks, ignore advice about aspirin, and avoid exercise, and I wonder: how serious is he when he says his health is “perfect”? Because someone whose health is truly perfect doesn’t need compression socks. Someone whose health is truly perfect doesn’t get bruises every time they shake hands. Someone whose health is truly perfect doesn’t close their eyes during important meetings. The truth is, Trump is getting older. Just like the rest of us. And he’s facing the physical challenges that come with age. That’s not a shame. It’s not a weakness. It’s human reality. But instead of accepting it with grace and transparency, Trump denies it, lies, and plays the victim. And that’s exhausting.

Section 7: The White House in Damage Control Mode

Karoline Leavitt and the Aggressive Defense

In response to revelations about the confusion between CT scans and MRIs, the White House adopted its usual strategy: an aggressive defense and a counterattack. Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt issued a statement asserting that Trump and his doctors have “always maintained” that he underwent “advanced imaging,” thereby attempting to downplay the contradiction between Trump’s repeated statements about an MRI and the fact that he actually underwent a CT scan. “Additional details about the imaging were disclosed by the president himself, because he continues to be the most transparent and open president in history and has nothing to hide—unlike his predecessor Joe Biden, who hid from the press and lied about his obvious physical and mental decline,” Leavitt said in a statement. This statement is remarkable in several respects. First, it attempts to rewrite history by claiming that Trump has “always” spoken of “advanced imaging,” whereas video recordings and transcripts clearly show that he specifically referred to MRI scans on numerous occasions. This is a classic example of gaslighting—denying an observable reality and attempting to convince people that their own memories and perceptions are incorrect. Second, the statement portrays Trump as “the most transparent and open president in history,” a claim that defies any factual analysis. Trump refused to release his tax returns for years. He fought subpoenas and requests for documents. He restricted press access to the White House. And now, he has been lying about a medical exam for weeks.

Finally, the statement attacks Biden, turning a legitimate question about Trump’s health into a partisan attack on his predecessor. This is a classic diversionary tactic: when asked an embarrassing question, change the subject and attack someone else. This approach may be politically effective—it mobilizes the base, diverts attention, and creates confusion—but it does not answer the fundamental question: why did Trump lie about his medical exam? Leavitt’s defense rests on the idea that Trump simply provided “additional details” about his imaging, as if this were a gradual clarification rather than a blatant contradiction. But the facts are clear. Trump did not gradually clarify the type of exam he had undergone. For weeks, he claimed to have had an MRI, then admitted that it was actually a CT scan. That is not a clarification. It is a correction. Or, to put it more bluntly, it is an admission that what he had said before was not true. The White House’s communication strategy in this matter reveals a broader approach to information management: deny, deflect, attack. Deny the contradiction. Deflect to other topics. Attack those who ask questions. This approach may work in the short term, but it erodes credibility in the long run. Every time the White House is caught lying or distorting the truth, it becomes harder to believe its future statements.

Dr. Barbabella and His Reassuring Memos

Dr. Sean Barbabella, Trump’s personal physician and a U.S. Navy captain, played a central role in this medical saga. He was the one who conducted Trump’s examinations at Walter Reed in October 2025. He was the one who released the reassuring memos about the president’s health. And he was the one who ultimately confirmed to the Wall Street Journal that Trump had undergone a CT scan, not an MRI. In a statement to CBS News, Barbabella explained: “President Trump agreed to meet with the staff and service members at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in October. To make the most of the president’s time at the hospital, we recommended that he undergo another routine physical evaluation to ensure his continued optimal health. As part of this examination, we asked the President if he would agree to undergo advanced imaging—either an MRI or a CT scan—to definitively rule out any cardiovascular issues. The President agreed, and our team of consultants performed a CT scan. As we revealed in the post-examination report, the advanced imaging was perfectly normal and revealed absolutely no abnormalities.” This explanation raises several questions. First, why did the doctors suggest “either an MRI or a CT scan” as if they were interchangeable options? These two tests serve different purposes and examine different aspects of health. An MRI would be more appropriate for examining the brain or soft tissues, while a CT scan is better suited for cardiovascular and structural issues.

Second, if the doctors wanted to “definitively rule out any cardiovascular issues,” why did they even mention an MRI as an option? This suggests either confusing medical communication or an attempt to give Trump a choice between two tests that are not truly equivalent. Finally, why didn’t Barbabella correct Trump when he began speaking publicly about MRI scans? As the president’s physician, Barbabella had a responsibility to ensure that the medical information communicated to the public was accurate. His silence for weeks, while Trump repeated incorrect information, raises questions about his role and priorities. Is he first and foremost a doctor, whose responsibility is to medical truth and his patient’s health? Or is he first and foremost a White House employee, whose responsibility is to protect the president’s image? Barbabella’s memos were consistently reassuring, using terms such as “perfectly normal,” “exceptional health,” and “perfectly suited to carry out his duties as commander-in-chief.” These phrases are remarkably similar to those used by Trump’s doctors during his first presidency, who were also criticized for their hyperbolic tone and lack of specific details. A credible medical report would provide concrete data: blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol levels, and specific test results. Instead, Barbabella’s memos offer general assurances without much factual substance.

I wonder how Barbabella feels about all this. Is he uncomfortable with the fact that Trump lied for weeks about the type of exam he had undergone? Did he try to correct the president in private? Or did he simply let it slide, knowing that publicly contradicting Trump could cost him his job? It’s an impossible position for a doctor to be in. On the one hand, he has taken the Hippocratic Oath—an ethical obligation to the truth and his patient’s health. On the other, he works for a president who doesn’t hesitate to lie and who doesn’t appreciate being contradicted. How does one navigate this tension? I don’t know. But I do know that Barbabella’s silence for weeks, while Trump kept repeating false information, is not a good sign.

Section 8: Age, That Presidential Taboo

79 Years Old and the Comparison with Biden

At 79, Donald Trump is the oldest president in U.S. history at the time of his inauguration for this second term. This is an undeniable fact that colors all discussions about his health and his ability to govern. Trump’s age has become a sensitive issue, in part because he himself has turned it into a political weapon against Joe Biden. For years, Trump has attacked Biden over his age, his vitality, and his cognitive abilities. He has suggested that Biden is too old, too tired, and too confused to be president. He has amplified every misstep, every hesitation, and every moment of confusion on Biden’s part as evidence of his decline. These attacks were effective. They helped create a public perception of Biden as a weakened leader, incapable of handling the demands of the presidency. This perception played a role in Biden’s decision not to run again in 2024, paving the way for Trump’s return. But now, Trump faces the same questions he posed to Biden. At 79, is he too old to be president? Does he have the energy, focus, and mental clarity needed to manage crises, make critical decisions, and represent the country on the world stage? The signs of aging are there. Eyes that droop during meetings. Bruises on his hands. Swelling in his legs. The need to shorten meetings and adjust his schedule. These are all indicators that Trump, like any human being his age, is facing the physical challenges of aging.

But Trump refuses to acknowledge these realities. In his interview with the Wall Street Journal, he insisted that his health is “perfect,” that his energy is limitless, and that his age is not an issue. “My health is perfect,” he declared. “Let’s talk about health again for the 25th time.” ” This defensiveness betrays a sensitivity on the subject. If Trump were truly confident in his health, he wouldn’t need to repeat it constantly. He could simply release detailed medical reports and let the facts speak for themselves. But instead, he insists, defends himself, and attacks those who ask questions. The comparison with Biden is inevitable, but it is also revealing. Biden has faced intense criticism over his age and health—criticism that Trump has actively fueled. Now, Trump faces the same criticism, and he’s reacting with the same defensiveness as Biden. The difference is that Trump has spent years establishing age as a criterion for presidential disqualification. He has set a standard that he must now live up to himself. And he’s failing. Incidents of drowsiness, visible health problems, and contradictions regarding his medical exams—all of this paints a picture of an aging president struggling to maintain the appearance of vitality that he himself established as necessary. It is a cruel irony, but it is also a political reality that Trump must confront.

Genetics as a Rhetorical Shield

When faced with questions about his age and health, Trump has a go-to answer: genetics. “Genetics are very important,” he told the Wall Street Journal. “And I have very good genetics.” This claim—that his genes protect him from the effects of aging—has become a central part of Trump’s defense against criticism of his health. He attributes his energy, vitality, and longevity to the genetic legacy of his parents. It’s a compelling explanation. It suggests that Trump is naturally superior, that his body is inherently more resilient, stronger, and more durable than others’. It’s also an explanation that relieves him of the responsibility to take care of his health. If it’s all about genetics, then his lifestyle choices—his diet, his lack of exercise, his excessive aspirin use—don’t really matter. His genes will protect him no matter what he does. But this view is medically simplistic. Yes, genetics plays a role in health and longevity. Some people are genetically predisposed to live longer, resist disease better, and maintain their vitality for longer. But genetics is only part of the equation. Lifestyle choices—diet, exercise, stress management, sleep habits—play an equally important, if not more important, role in long-term health. Trump seems to believe that his genetics give him a free pass to ignore basic medical recommendations. He can eat whatever he wants, avoid exercise, take too much aspirin, refuse to wear compression socks—everything will be fine because he has “good genes.”

This attitude is dangerous. It creates a false sense of confidence that can lead to neglecting real health problems until they become serious. And it sends a terrible message to the public: that health is a matter of genetic luck rather than choice and personal responsibility. Furthermore, Trump’s claim about his “good genetics” is difficult to verify. His parents lived relatively long lives—his mother died at age 88, his father at 93—which does indeed suggest a certain degree of family longevity. But longevity is not the only indicator of “good genetics.” Quality of life, the absence of chronic diseases, and cognitive health—all these factors are equally important. And on these points, we don’t have enough information to assess Trump’s “genetics.” What is clear is that Trump uses genetics as a rhetorical shield against criticism. When asked about his health, he cites his genes. When asked why he doesn’t exercise, he says his genes protect him. When people express concern about his age, he responds that his genetics make him different from other 79-year-olds. It’s an effective communication strategy—it’s simple, memorable, and it flatters Trump’s ego. But it’s also a strategy that sidesteps the real questions about his current health and his ability to perform the duties of the presidency.

This obsession with genetics bothers me. Not because genetics isn’t important—it is—but because Trump uses it as an excuse not to take care of himself. It’s a form of denial, a way of convincing himself that the normal rules don’t apply to him. And maybe that’s true. Perhaps Trump does indeed have exceptional genetics that will allow him to live to be 100 despite his diet, lack of exercise, and questionable medical habits. But perhaps not. And the problem is that we won’t know until it’s too late. When a serious health problem arises. When his genes are no longer enough to compensate for decades of neglect. And at that point, it won’t just be Trump’s health that’s at stake. It will be the stability of the country, the continuity of the government, and national security. Because a president’s health isn’t just a personal matter. It’s a matter of state.

Section 9: A Revised Schedule

Late mornings and shortened meetings

Trump’s interview with The Wall Street Journal revealed interesting details about his daily schedule—details that suggest his team has had to make adjustments to accommodate his needs and limitations. Trump explained that he starts his day early in an office located in the White House residence, but doesn’t head down to the Oval Office until around 10 a.m. He then works there until 7 or 8 p.m. This rhythm—starting late in the morning, working late into the evening—is not unusual for Trump. He has always been known as a night owl, preferring to work late and get up later in the morning. But in the context of concerns about his health and energy levels, this schedule takes on a different meaning. It suggests that Trump needs more time in the morning to get ready, to fully wake up, and to be prepared to face the day. This isn’t necessarily a problem—many people function better later in the day—but it is a departure from previous presidents, who typically started their days much earlier. Even more revealing is Trump’s admission that he asked his staff to adjust his schedule to have “fewer, but more important” meetings to which he can devote more attention. This statement suggests that Trump was struggling to manage a busy schedule filled with numerous meetings, and that he needs more time and space to focus on each engagement.

The Wall Street Journal also reports that Chief of Staff Susie Wiles asked Cabinet members to shorten their presentations. This request is particularly telling. It suggests that Trump has trouble maintaining his attention during long presentations, and that his team must adapt the format of meetings to ensure he remains engaged. These are all reasonable adjustments for a 79-year-old. With age, attention span can decline, fatigue can set in more quickly, and the need for breaks and recovery time increases. There is nothing shameful about this. It is a normal human reality. The problem is that Trump refuses to acknowledge these realities. He insists that his health is “perfect,” that his energy is limitless, and that he has no problems. But at the same time, his schedule is being rearranged, his meetings are being shortened, and his team has to make adjustments to accommodate his needs. This contradiction between Trump’s public statements and his team’s private adjustments creates cognitive dissonance. Either Trump is telling the truth and these adjustments are unnecessary, or these adjustments are necessary, and Trump is not telling the truth about his health and energy levels. You can’t have it both ways. The Journal also reports that Trump spent about two weeks at Mar-a-Lago, his Florida residence that he calls the “Winter White House,” during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. This time away from Washington was apparently recommended by his staff to allow him to rest and recharge.

Mar-a-Lago, the “Winter White House”

Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s private club in Florida, has become a central part of his presidency. Trump regularly spends time there, blending government business with personal leisure in a luxurious and controlled setting. He calls Mar-a-Lago the “Winter White House,” a designation that suggests he views his Florida residence as a center of power on par with the White House itself. This habit of spending time at Mar-a-Lago is not new. During his first term, Trump spent many weekends and vacations there, often to the chagrin of his critics, who highlighted the cost to taxpayers and the security concerns associated with using a private club as a presidential workplace. But in the current context, Trump’s stays at Mar-a-Lago take on a different meaning. They suggest a need to get away from Washington, to rest in a familiar and comfortable environment, and to slow down. The fact that his staff recommended this extended stay during the holidays suggests they recognize that Trump needs regular breaks to maintain his energy and focus. Again, this isn’t necessarily a problem. All presidents need time to rest. The presidency is an exhausting job, and no one can maintain an intense pace 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without a break. But the question is whether Trump is taking more time off than his predecessors, and whether this increased need for rest is related to his age and health.

Trump’s critics have pointed out that he seems to spend more time at Mar-a-Lago and on golf courses than his recent predecessors. During his first term, Trump played golf more than 300 times, often on his own courses, which generated revenue for his businesses while raising questions about conflicts of interest. Now, in his second term, Trump continues this habit. He plays golf regularly, spends time at Mar-a-Lago, and maintains a schedule that allows him to rest and recharge. His defenders say this is how Trump works best—that he needs these breaks to stay energetic and focused. His critics say it’s a sign that he lacks the stamina to handle the demands of the presidency. The truth probably lies somewhere in between. Trump has always had an unconventional work style. He is not the kind of president who spends 12 hours a day in the Oval Office reading reports and attending meetings. He prefers a more informal style, with phone conversations, short meetings, and plenty of time to watch the news and tweet (or post on Truth Social). This style has worked for him in the past, and it continues to work now. But the question is whether this style is sufficient to manage the complex crises and multiple challenges a president must face. And whether the recent adjustments to his schedule—later mornings, shorter meetings, extended stays at Mar-a-Lago—are signs that he needs more support and accommodations than before.

I’m not criticizing Trump for needing rest. We all do. At 79, it’s normal to need more time to recover, more frequent breaks, and a less intense pace. What bothers me is the lie. The insistence that everything is perfectly fine even as his schedule is being rearranged, his meetings are being shortened, and his team has to make constant adjustments. Why not just admit the reality? Why not say, “Yes, I’m 79. Yes, I have to adjust my pace. But I’m still capable of doing the job.” That would be honest. That would be human. That would be respectable. But no. Instead, we have this constant charade where Trump pretends to be superhuman while his team works behind the scenes to accommodate his limitations. It’s exhausting. And it’s pointless.

Section 10: Exercise—That Unbearable Chore

Golf as His Only Activity

Trump’s attitude toward exercise is well documented: he doesn’t like it. In his interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump was explicit on this point. “I just don’t like it. It’s boring,” he said, referring to traditional exercise. “Walking or running on a treadmill for hours and hours, like some people do, isn’t for me.” This aversion to exercise is nothing new. Trump has long expressed skepticism toward exercise, even going so far as to suggest in the past that the human body has a finite amount of energy and that exercise depletes that reserve. This theory, of course, has no scientific basis. In reality, regular exercise boosts energy, improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones, and reduces the risk of many chronic diseases. For someone of Trump’s age, with his cardiovascular risk factors, regular exercise should be a priority. But Trump prefers golf. It is his only form of regular physical activity, and he refers to it as a pastime rather than exercise. Golf, of course, can be a form of moderate exercise, especially if you walk the course rather than use a golf cart. But Trump generally uses a golf cart, which significantly reduces the physical benefits of the activity. Furthermore, golf does not provide the kind of intense cardiovascular exercise that doctors recommend for maintaining heart health.

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week for adults. Golf, especially with a golf cart, likely does not meet these recommendations. Trump would need to add other forms of exercise—brisk walking, swimming, cycling, or even simply walking on a treadmill—to reach the recommended activity levels. But he refuses. Because it’s “boring.” This attitude is understandable from a human perspective. Many people find exercise boring. It’s repetitive, sometimes uncomfortable, and the benefits aren’t always immediately apparent. But for someone in Trump’s position—a 79-year-old president with enormous responsibilities and cardiovascular risk factors—this attitude is also irresponsible. Trump has the resources to make exercise more enjoyable. He could hire a personal trainer, gain access to state-of-the-art facilities, and try different forms of activity until he finds something he enjoys. But he chooses not to. He prefers to stick to golf and ignore medical recommendations. This decision has consequences. Lack of exercise contributes to the chronic venous insufficiency from which Trump suffers. It increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and many other conditions. It reduces muscle strength, balance, and mobility, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.

The treadmill is “boring”

Trump’s statement that walking on a treadmill is “boring” reveals something deeper about his psychology and priorities. For Trump, exercise is not a medical necessity or a responsibility toward his health. It is a chore, an unpleasant activity he prefers to avoid. This attitude stands in stark contrast to that of many previous presidents who made exercise a priority. Barack Obama regularly played basketball and worked out at the gym. George W. Bush was an avid runner and mountain biker. Bill Clinton ran regularly (although he had heart problems later in life). These presidents understood that maintaining their physical health was an important part of their ability to carry out their duties. Trump, on the other hand, seems to take his health for granted, believing it is protected by his “good genetics” and therefore requiring no special effort on his part. This attitude is particularly problematic given the visible signs of health problems Trump has exhibited in recent months. Swollen legs, bruises, apparent fatigue—all of these symptoms could be alleviated by regular exercise. But Trump refuses to make that effort. He prefers to take more aspirin than recommended, briefly try compression socks before giving up on them, and complain that exercise is boring.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Trump began walking more after being diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, and that the swelling has improved. This is good news, and it shows that Trump is capable of making positive changes when he wants to. But it also raises the question: how long will this change last? Trump has a long history of giving up healthy habits after a short while. He tried compression socks and gave them up. How long will he keep walking more before deciding it’s too boring and reverting to his old habits? This inconsistency is concerning. It suggests that Trump hasn’t truly internalized the importance of exercise and healthy habits. He makes temporary changes in response to specific problems, but he doesn’t seem committed to a healthy lifestyle in the long term. And without that commitment, health problems will likely continue to pile up. The irony is that Trump has criticized Biden for his apparent lack of energy and vitality. But Trump himself refuses to do the basic things—like regular exercise—that could improve his energy and vitality. He prefers to rely on his genetics, take too much aspirin, and hope for the best. That’s a risky strategy for someone his age with his responsibilities.

I understand that exercise can be boring. I really do. But at some point, you have to accept that some boring things are necessary. Brushing your teeth is boring. Paying your taxes is boring. Going to the doctor is boring. But we do it anyway because it’s important. Trump is 79 years old. He’s the President of the United States. His health isn’t just a personal matter. It affects his ability to govern, make decisions, and represent the country. And yet, he refuses to do something as simple as walking on a treadmill because it’s boring. It’s childish. It’s irresponsible. And it’s dangerous. Because one day, this negligence will have consequences. And when that day comes, it won’t just be Trump who pays the price. It will be the entire country.

Section 11: Selective Transparency

What We Show, What We Hide

Trump and his team’s handling of medical information reveals an approach of selective transparency: disclosing certain information while hiding others, creating the appearance of transparency while maintaining strict control over what is revealed. This approach is evident in the way the CT scan vs. MRI controversy was handled. Trump spoke openly about his medical exam, claiming to have had a “perfect MRI” and promising to release the results. This appearance of transparency was reassuring to the public. But in reality, Trump was lying about the type of exam he had undergone, and the detailed results were never released. What we received instead was a vague memo from Dr. Barbabella stating that the imaging was “perfectly normal” without providing any specific details. This strategy of selective transparency allows Trump to claim to be open and honest while maintaining control over the information. He can say: “I’ve released my medical results,” while failing to mention that these “results” are actually general assurances without concrete data. This is a sophisticated form of manipulation that exploits public trust and the complexity of medical information. Most people do not know what information should be included in a presidential medical report. They trust the statements from the White House and the president’s physician. When Trump says his results are “perfect,” they believe him. When Barbabella releases a reassuring memo, they accept it.

But medical experts and journalists who have examined these documents have pointed out their lack of detail and their unusually hyperbolic tone. A credible medical report would provide specific data: systolic and diastolic blood pressure, resting and post-exercise heart rate, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL levels, triglycerides, fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, kidney function, liver function, and so on. It would also include specific imaging results: dimensions of cardiac structures, wall thickness, pumping function, presence or absence of calcifications, and the condition of the coronary arteries. Instead, Barbabella’s memos offer general assurances: “perfectly normal,” “exceptional health,” “no abnormalities.” These terms are reassuring but devoid of factual content. They do not allow for an independent assessment of Trump’s health. They do not allow for comparisons with previous exams. They provide no basis for evaluating Trump’s claims about his “perfect” health. This lack of transparency is all the more problematic given that Trump has turned medical transparency into a political weapon against Biden. He has consistently demanded that Biden release detailed medical reports, undergo cognitive testing, and prove his ability to perform presidential duties. But now that Trump is in power, he applies a different standard to himself. He releases vague memos, lies about the exams he has taken, and attacks those who ask questions about his health.

Medical Records That Remain Secret

Despite Trump’s repeated promises to release his medical results, many aspects of his health remain secret. We do not know his detailed blood test results. We do not know the actual images from his CT scan. We do not know what medications he takes beyond aspirin. We do not know his exact weight, his precise blood pressure, or his other vital signs. This lack of transparency stands in stark contrast to the practice of some previous presidents, who released much more detailed medical reports. Barack Obama, for example, released medical reports that included pages of test results, specific measurements, and detailed assessments of his health. These reports allowed medical experts and the public to independently assess the president’s health. Trump, on the other hand, maintains strict control over medical information. His physician, Dr. Barbabella, is a White House employee whose loyalty lies first and foremost with the president. The memos he releases are carefully crafted to present Trump in the best possible light, using hyperbolic language that raises questions about their objectivity. This situation creates a dilemma for the public and the media. On one hand, we have repeated assurances from Trump and his doctor that his health is “perfect.” On the other, we have visible signs of health problems, contradictions in public statements, and a lack of transparency regarding medical details. How can we reconcile these two realities?

The answer, most likely, is that we cannot. Without access to Trump’s complete medical records, without detailed and objective reports, we are forced to rely on statements from the White House and public observations. And these two sources of information tell different stories. Official statements say that everything is fine. Public observations suggest potential problems. This ambiguity is exactly what Trump and his team want to maintain. It allows them to control the narrative, downplay concerns, and attack those who ask questions as partisan or malicious. But this ambiguity comes at a cost. It erodes public trust. It fuels speculation and conspiracy theories. It sets a dangerous precedent where presidents can withhold important medical information without consequences. And most importantly, it prevents the public from making an honest assessment of their president’s ability to perform his duties. In a democracy, citizens have the right to know whether their leader is physically and mentally capable of governing. This information is not a matter of personal curiosity. It is a democratic necessity. And Trump, by maintaining this opacity, is violating this fundamental democratic obligation.

I’m tired of having to guess. Tired of having to interpret vague memos and contradictory statements. Tired of having to analyze photos to spot bruises, count the seconds Trump keeps his eyes closed, and speculate on what his leg problems mean. I just want the truth. Detailed medical reports. Concrete data. An honest assessment of the president’s health. Is that too much to ask? Apparently so. Because in the Trump universe, the truth is negotiable, facts are malleable, and transparency is a political weapon rather than a democratic obligation. And we’re all stuck in this exhausting game where no one really knows what’s true and what isn’t. It’s exhausting. And it has to stop.

Section 12: The Biden Precedent and Its Ignored Lessons

The Cover-Up That Came at a High Cost

The story of Joe Biden’s health during his presidency offers an instructive precedent for understanding the current situation with Trump. Biden, who was 78 years old at the time of his inauguration in 2021, faced constant questions about his age and health throughout his presidency. These questions intensified over time, fueled by public incidents in which Biden appeared confused, tired, or disoriented. For a long time, Biden’s White House denied that there was a problem. His team insisted that he was in good health, energetic, and fully capable of performing his duties. The medical reports released were reassuring, though not particularly detailed. But public observations told a different story. Biden stumbled while climbing the stairs to Air Force One. He sometimes seemed to lose his train of thought in the middle of a speech. He mixed up names and dates. Taken individually, these incidents could be explained as normal mistakes or moments of fatigue. But collectively, they painted a picture of a president in decline. The turning point came during the 2024 presidential debate, where Biden gave a disastrous performance that shocked even his most loyal supporters. He seemed confused, hesitant, and unable to formulate coherent answers. This performance triggered a crisis within the Democratic Party, with many elected officials and donors calling on Biden to withdraw from the race.

Ultimately, Biden decided not to seek re-election, paving the way for a new Democratic candidate. But the damage was done. The Democrats had lost precious time, and the public perception of Biden as a weakened leader had been firmly established. After Biden’s withdrawal, revelations emerged suggesting that his cognitive decline had been known to his inner circle for longer than they had publicly admitted. Aides recounted incidents in which Biden appeared disoriented or confused during private meetings. Cabinet members admitted to noticing signs of decline but chose not to speak about them publicly out of loyalty to the president. This cover-up had serious consequences. It eroded public trust in the White House. It created the impression that Biden’s team had lied to the American people about their president’s health. And it provided Trump and the Republicans with a powerful political weapon that they have used relentlessly. Trump, in particular, has exploited Biden’s situation to present himself as a younger and more energetic alternative (even though he is only three years younger than Biden). He made age and cognitive health central issues in the campaign, promising to be a more vigorous and alert president. But now, Trump faces the same questions he posed to Biden. And he seems to be repeating the same mistakes the Biden team made.

Is Trump repeating the same mistakes?

The parallels between Biden’s situation and Trump’s are striking. Like Biden, Trump is an elderly president facing questions about his health and vitality. Like Biden, Trump has a team that publicly insists everything is fine despite visible signs of potential problems. Like Biden, Trump refuses to acknowledge the realities of aging and insists that his health is “perfect.” And like Biden, Trump may be creating a situation where the truth will eventually emerge in an embarrassing and damaging way. The signs are there: his eyes closing during public meetings; visible bruises; swollen legs; a revised schedule; shortened meetings; and extended stays at Mar-a-Lago. All of these elements suggest that Trump is facing physical challenges related to his age. But instead of openly acknowledging them and reassuring the public that appropriate measures are being taken, Trump and his team are choosing denial and cover-ups. They issue vague memos. They lie about medical exams. They attack those who ask questions. This approach is doomed to fail. Biden’s story makes this clear. Visible health issues cannot be concealed indefinitely. Sooner or later, the truth comes out. And when it does, the consequences are often worse than if the truth had been admitted from the start.

The lesson from Biden’s experience should be clear: transparency is better than concealment. Acknowledging challenges and showing how they are being managed is more reassuring than denying their existence. The public can accept that an elderly president may need adjustments to his schedule or additional medical care. What it cannot accept is being deceived. But Trump seems incapable of learning this lesson. His ego, his pride, and his obsession with projecting an image of strength and perfection prevent him from admitting any weakness or limitation. He would rather lie and risk being caught red-handed than admit an uncomfortable truth. This stubbornness could have serious consequences. If Trump continues down this path, he could face a crisis similar to Biden’s—a moment when evidence of health problems becomes so obvious that it can no longer be denied. And at that point, public confidence will be even more eroded, and questions about his ability to govern will become even more pressing. The difference is that Trump, unlike Biden, does not have the option to step down. He is already in office, and there is no upcoming election in which he could choose not to run again. If serious health issues arise, the country will face a complex constitutional situation potentially involving the 25th Amendment and the question of whether the president is capable of performing his duties. This is a scenario no one wants. But it is a scenario that Trump is making more likely by refusing to be transparent about his health.

I watch Trump repeat Biden’s mistakes, and I feel hopeless. We’ve just been through this. We’ve seen how cover-ups and denial end. We’ve seen the consequences of hiding the truth about a president’s health. And yet, here we go again. With a different president, but the same pattern. The same lies. The same denials. The same stubborn refusal to acknowledge reality. It’s like watching an accident in slow motion, knowing exactly what’s going to happen but being powerless to stop it. And the worst part is that it doesn’t have to be this way. Trump could choose transparency. He could acknowledge the challenges of aging. He could show how he’s managing them. And the public would likely accept it. But he won’t. Because for Trump, admitting any weakness is unacceptable. And so we’re stuck in this cycle of lies and cover-ups, waiting for the inevitable moment when the truth will emerge in a catastrophic way.

Conclusion: When the Truth Finally Catches Up with the Lie

An admission that speaks volumes

Trump’s admission in the Wall Street Journal—that he underwent a CT scan rather than an MRI—marks a revealing moment in this presidential health saga. This isn’t merely a technical correction of a terminological error. It’s an admission that Trump lied—or at the very least seriously misled the public—for weeks. And this admission raises much broader questions about his credibility, transparency, and ability to tell the truth on important matters. What is particularly troubling is the way this admission was made. Trump did not apologize. He did not acknowledge that he had caused confusion. Instead, he expressed regret that he had taken the test in the first place, complaining that it had given his opponents “ammunition.” This reaction—playing the victim rather than taking responsibility—is typical of Trump. But it is also deeply problematic for a president who should be a model of accountability and integrity. The CT scan vs. MRI controversy is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader pattern of manipulating information, denying uncomfortable realities, and attacking those who dare to ask questions. This pattern extends far beyond health issues. It touches on every aspect of Trump’s presidency, from his crisis management to his communication with the public, including his relations with the media and democratic institutions.

But when it comes to the president’s health, this pattern has particularly serious consequences. A president’s health is not merely a personal matter. It affects his ability to govern, make critical decisions, and represent the country. The public has a right to know whether its president is physically and mentally capable of performing his duties. And that right can only be upheld if the president and his team are honest and transparent about his health. Trump has failed this test. He lied about a medical exam. He released vague and hyperbolic reports. He refused to disclose detailed information. He attacked those who asked legitimate questions. And now, even after admitting to his lie, he refuses to take responsibility for his actions. This approach serves neither Trump nor the country. It creates mistrust, fuels speculation, and erodes confidence in democratic institutions. It sets a dangerous precedent where presidents can lie about their health without consequences. And it leaves the public in the dark about the true condition of their leader. Trump’s admission about the CT scan should have been a moment of clarity, an opportunity to restore trust by being honest and transparent. But instead, it has become yet another example of how Trump manipulates information and refuses to take responsibility for his lies. And that, perhaps, speaks more volumes about his presidency than any medical test ever could.

The Questions That Remain

Despite Trump’s admission about the CT scan, many questions remain unanswered. What is the true extent of his health problems? Why does he need constant adjustments to his schedule? What do his scan results really reveal? What other medications is he taking besides aspirin? How is his team managing his physical limitations? These questions are not mere curiosities. They are essential to assessing Trump’s ability to perform his presidential duties. And as long as they remain unanswered, the public will be left in the dark, forced to speculate and interpret ambiguous signs. This uncertainty is dangerous. It creates an information vacuum that conspiracy theories and misinformation can fill. It erodes trust in government institutions. It prevents the public from making an honest assessment of its leader. And it sets a precedent where future presidents might feel free to withhold important medical information. The solution to this problem is simple: transparency. Trump should release detailed medical reports, with concrete data and objective assessments. He should acknowledge the challenges of aging and show how he is managing them. He should stop lying and playing the victim. And he should recognize that the president’s health is not just a personal matter, but a matter of public interest that deserves honesty and transparency.

But will Trump do that? History suggests not. He has spent his life building an image of strength, perfection, and invincibility. Admitting any weakness, any limitation, any vulnerability goes against everything he stands for. He will likely prefer to continue lying, denying, and attacking those who ask questions. And the country will continue to be left in uncertainty, wondering whether its president is truly capable of carrying out his duties or whether we are witnessing a slow and concealed decline. The coming months and years will be revealing. Either Trump will prove that his claims of “perfect” health are true by maintaining a high level of energy and performance. Or signs of health problems will continue to mount, making it increasingly difficult to maintain the fiction that everything is fine. In the latter scenario, the country will have to face difficult questions about presidential succession, the 25th Amendment, and the government’s ability to function with an ailing leader. These are questions no one wants to confront. But they are also questions we cannot avoid indefinitely. The CT scan vs. MRI controversy is a warning. It shows that Trump is willing to lie about his health, that his team is willing to cover for him, and that the public cannot trust the White House’s official statements on this matter. This is a troubling reality. But it is a reality we must acknowledge and confront. Because the president’s health is not just a personal matter. It is a matter of national security, governmental stability, and democratic trust. And on these issues, we cannot afford to turn a blind eye.

I end this column with a deep sense of weariness. Weariness in the face of constant lies. Weariness in the face of denial of reality. Weariness in the face of this stubborn refusal to ever admit the slightest weakness, the slightest mistake, the slightest humanity. Trump is 79 years old. He is getting older. Just like the rest of us. That is not a shame. It is not a weakness. It is the human condition. But instead of accepting this reality with grace and dignity, Trump lies, denies, and plays the victim. And we’re all caught up in this exhausting charade where no one knows what’s true and what isn’t anymore. I don’t know how this story will end. But I do know it won’t end well if we continue down this path. Because you can’t build a democracy on lies. You can’t govern a country by denying reality. And you can’t maintain public trust by constantly manipulating information. Sooner or later, the truth catches up with the lie. Always. And when that moment comes for Trump, I hope we’ll be ready to face the consequences. Because they’ll be serious. And they’ll affect all of us.

Sources

Primary sources

ABC News, “Trump says he got a CT scan instead of an MRI,” Hannah Demissie, January 1, 2026. CBS News, “Trump says he underwent CT scan, not MRI, during October examination,” Kathryn Watson, January 1, 2026. The Wall Street Journal, “As Signs of Aging Emerge, Trump Responds With Defiance,” interview published January 1, 2026. The Guardian, “Trump says he takes more aspirin than recommended but his ‘health is perfect,’” Edward Helmore, January 1, 2026. Memorandum from Dr. Sean Barbabella, the president’s physician, December 1, 2025.

Secondary Sources

The Hill, “Trump denies health concerns after CT scan at Walter Reed,” December 2025. PBS NewsHour, “Trump defends his health and energy while revealing new details on medical screenings he underwent,” January 2026. CNN, “White House Releases Details of Trump’s Medical Imaging,” December 2025. BBC News, “White House Doctor Says Trump’s Cardiovascular Imaging Is ‘Perfectly Normal,’” December 2025. AOL News, “Trump Says There’s ‘Nothing Wrong’ with His Health, Underwent CT Scan,” January 2026.

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