Former White House Physician Challenges Trump’s Health Claims

A prominent former White House physician has publicly questioned the health claims surrounding former President Donald Trump. Jeffrey Kuhlman, who served as a physician to three U.S. presidents—Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama—expressed skepticism regarding Trump’s recent health assessments during an interview with The Hill.

Trump’s visit to the Walter Reed Military Medical Center last month, which his administration labeled as his second “annual” physical examination of the year, has raised eyebrows. While aides released a statement declaring the 79-year-old’s “excellent overall health,” they provided little information about the visit’s purpose. The former president later revealed to reporters that he underwent an MRI scan, characterizing the results as “perfect.”

Kuhlman pointed out inconsistencies in the administration’s narrative. He noted that other tests, aside from an MRI, could have been performed quickly at the White House. He stated, “It’s about an eight-minute helicopter ride from the South Lawn to Walter Reed. So we know that he at least had four hours available to undergo medical care. There’s a disconnect there.”

The circumstances surrounding Trump’s health have intensified ongoing speculation regarding his physical and mental state. Observers have highlighted instances of slurred speech, erratic public appearances, and an unsteady gait as potential indicators of declining health. So far, White House doctors attributed Trump’s swollen ankles to chronic venous insufficiency, a condition common in older adults. They suggested that frequent bruising on his hands might result from his use of aspirin to mitigate heart risks.

Administration officials have been less forthcoming about Trump’s mental lapses and gaffes. Recent incidents include confusion while discussing water with the Navy, difficulty pronouncing “acetaminophen,” and inaccurate claims regarding diplomatic relations between Albania and Azerbaijan, countries that are not in conflict.

Medical experts have raised concerns about the transparency of the information released regarding Trump’s health. Jacob Appel, a psychiatry professor at Mount Sinai, emphasized the importance of context when publicizing health information. He stated, “If you’re going to release some information, you want to release enough information that the public at least can put it into context.” He further remarked on the ambiguity surrounding the MRI, questioning the lack of details about the specific body part scanned.

“The MRI could be something to check for a cognitive issue. It could be something to check for a heart issue. It could be the president twisted an ankle and they’re afraid that he has a bone fracture. So it could be almost anything,” Appel added.

As the discourse around Trump’s health continues, the implications of these revelations remain significant, not only for the former president but also for public perceptions of his fitness for office. With the next presidential election approaching, the scrutiny of his health will likely persist, making transparency essential for both the administration and the public.