Is Trump Really In ‘Excellent Health’? Cardiologist Raises Questions Over Symptoms, Medical Tests

US President Donald Trump’s health has come under renewed scrutiny after cardiologist Dr Jonathan Reiner questioned whether the White House has provided enough medical information to explain some visible symptoms and recent tests, while stopping short of offering a diagnosis.

Trump’s physician, Dr Sean Barbabella, has described the president as being in “excellent health” following a medical evaluation in May. However, Reiner, a professor of medicine and surgery at George Washington University who previously treated former Vice President Dick Cheney, has raised questions about bruising on Trump’s hands, swelling in his legs, apparent episodes of sleepiness and extensive heart and abdominal tests.

What Has Trump’s Doctor Said?

Barbabella said after Trump’s May medical evaluation that the president remained in excellent health and that his demanding schedule and physical activity supported his overall wellbeing.

The White House has also disclosed information about some of Trump’s medical conditions and examinations.

Reiner, however, argued in an opinion piece published by The New York Times that the information released so far does not fully address several issues that have become publicly visible.

Questions Over Bruising On Trump’s Hands

One of the concerns highlighted by Reiner is the bruising and discolouration visible on Trump’s hands.

The White House has attributed the bruising to frequent handshaking and aspirin use, which can increase the likelihood of bruising and bleeding.

Reiner questioned whether those explanations adequately account for the pattern and recurrence of the discolouration, including similar marks observed on Trump’s left hand.

He did not suggest a specific diagnosis and acknowledged that visible bruising can have several possible causes.

Why Are Trump’s Legs Swollen?

Reiner also raised questions about swelling in Trump’s legs.

A White House physician has described the condition as chronic venous insufficiency, in which the veins have difficulty returning blood efficiently to the heart.

Reiner pointed to what he described as a discrepancy in the available medical information, noting that Trump’s May examination reportedly did not document leg swelling.

He questioned when the condition developed and how it was assessed.

Trump’s Apparent Sleepiness Draws Attention

The cardiologist also referred to occasions when Trump has appeared to struggle to remain awake during public events.

Reiner described the issue as excessive daytime sleepiness and said there could be several possible explanations, some of which might warrant medical evaluation.

However, briefly closing one’s eyes or appearing tired during a public appearance does not, by itself, establish the presence of any particular medical condition.

Questions Over Extensive Heart And Abdominal Tests

Another issue raised by Reiner concerns medical tests Trump underwent at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in October 2025.

The president underwent extensive heart and abdominal imaging as part of an assessment intended to identify potential problems early and evaluate his overall health, according to his physician.

Reiner argued that the public has not been given sufficient information about what prompted the examinations or what the tests showed.

No Diagnosis Offered By Cardiologist

Reiner has not diagnosed Trump with any medical condition. His comments centre on whether the publicly released information provides enough context for people to understand the president’s current health.

Trump is now 80 and is the oldest person to serve as US president. His age has added attention to questions surrounding his health and his ability to carry out the demands of the presidency.

For now, the White House position remains that Trump is in excellent health, while the questions raised by Reiner have focused on whether additional medical details should be made public.