In October, former President Donald Trump, in the midst of his term, underwent an MRI scan. Though he described it as part of a standard physical checkup, he mentioned not knowing which part of his body was scanned—a statement that’s been met with skepticism. A prominent doctor is now challenging the transparency of this claim.
On October 10th, Trump had this MRI scan at Walter Reed Medical Center. Dr. Sean Barbabella of the White House released a communication indicating that the scan was part of “advanced imaging, laboratory testing, and preventive health assessments.”
Later, during a journey to Japan aboard Air Force One, Trump confirmed the MRI to the press, stating, “We had an MRI, the whole setup, and everything was excellent. Reports have never been as positive as what I provided you, and if there was any negative, you’d hear it from me directly.” He continued, “The doctors gave me some of the best reviews ever seen.”
The White House has kept discussions about Trump’s health to a minimum, save for highlighting his “extraordinary” condition. Press briefings frequently revisited questions about the MRI’s purpose.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued an update in November, assuring the public that the president remained in “exceptional physical health” despite circulating concerns over his health, evidenced by photos of Trump displaying swollen ankles and hand bruises.
Medical Professional Questions the President’s MRI Claims
“As per the memo shared on October 10th, the president received modified imaging at Walter Reed as part of his regular physical,” Leavitt noted. “Radiologists and consultants thoroughly reviewed the results, all affirming the president’s exceptional health status.”
A former White House physician suggested that there might be elements hidden by Trump and his administration regarding the MRI scan. Meanwhile, Trump reiterated that he had “no idea” which part of his body underwent scanning.
Dr. Vin Gupta, an NBC News medical analyst and former Chief Medical Officer at Amazon, has critiqued Trump’s claim of unawareness over the scan.
“During an MRI, you are aware of which body part is scanned due to the sound and duration. You’re inside this narrow machine for a substantial time ranging from 15 to 45 minutes,” Gupta remarked on the MeidasTouch Podcast.
He added, “It’s illogical for him not to know which part was scanned since you’re actively hearing the machinery for several minutes—it’s unmistakable.”
Emerging Theories on Trump’s MRI Examination
Dr. Gupta argued that MRIs are seldom part of routine physical checkups, mainly because these scans can result in “a number of false positives.”
“As a screening tool, it’s a poor choice,” Dr. Vin Gupta elaborated. “Labeling this MRI part of a routine executive physical or regular exam is baseless. It simply isn’t standard practice.”
Gupta has put forth a theory suggesting the MRI might have been conducted to “examine possible cognitive impairments.”
“We’ve discussed the primary screening tools and how MRIs aren’t typically applicable for general screening. However, if there’s a concern regarding neurological functions or if something noticeable to medical professionals but undisclosed to the public prompted periodic MRIs, that would indeed be sensible,” he clarified. “In such contexts, frequent imaging could be a justified and prudent measure.”
