The latest medical report on Donald Trump, released by the White House on May 30, 2026, confirms the 79-year-old president is in “excellent health” and “fully capable” of performing his duties—but also reveals persistent concerns about his physical appearance and public perception of his well-being. While officials emphasize his cognitive sharpness and robust physical functions, images of bruising, swelling, and a neck mark have fueled ongoing speculation about his health, especially as he prepares to turn 80 in June.
What the Medical Report Actually Says
Trump’s most recent physical, conducted at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on May 26, 2026, was the third since his return to the presidency in January 2025. The report, signed by Navy Captain Sean Barbabella, Trump’s physician, states that the president’s cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and general physical functions are “solid.” Barbabella also noted that a comprehensive neurological exam found Trump’s mental state to be normal, with no signs of depression or anxiety.
cluster (priority): UOL Notícias
“Tudo foi verificado perfeitamente.”
Donald Trump, via Truth Social, May 30, 2026
Yet the report also acknowledges visible signs of aging and activity: Trump has a “mild swelling in the lower legs,” an improvement from last year, and “benign bruises on the hands,” described as common and related to frequent handshakes and low-dose aspirin use for cardiovascular prevention. The report does not address the recent treatment of a mark on his neck, nor does it mention any new MRI scans—unlike the one conducted in October 2025.
Barbabella’s memo also includes preventive advice: Trump should adjust his diet, increase physical activity, and continue to lose weight. The president currently takes three medications: two for cholesterol and one low-dose aspirin for heart disease prevention, though the report recommends reducing the aspirin intake.
<h2 class="The Cognitive Test That Went Viral
Trump seized on the report to highlight his cognitive abilities, posting on Truth Social that he scored “30 out of 30” on a “high-difficulty” cognitive test—a result he called proof of his “extreme intelligence.” He claimed this was the fourth consecutive time he had achieved a perfect score, a rarity, he said, in such assessments. While Trump did not specify the test used, reports suggest it may have been the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a tool commonly used to screen for dementia.
“É muito raro alguém conseguir pontuação máxima repetidamente.”
Donald Trump, via Truth Social, May 30, 2026
Trump’s doctor declares him in ‘excellent health’ after checkup
Trump’s emphasis on cognitive testing reflects a broader political strategy: he has called for mandatory cognitive exams for all presidential and vice-presidential candidates. His post on Truth Social included a jab at Democratic opponents, asking if they were “surprised” by his results.
<h2 class="Public Skepticism vs. Official Assurances
Despite the official medical reassurances, public skepticism remains high. Images of Trump’s swollen ankles, bruised hands, and neck mark have circulated widely, raising questions about his overall health. Polls suggest more than half of Americans doubt the veracity of his medical claims, a sentiment amplified by the recent assassination attempt on July 13, 2025, which left the public questioning his physical and mental resilience.
Trump’s age—he will turn 80 in June—has also become a focal point of political debate. As the oldest person ever elected U.S. president, he has repeatedly positioned himself as more energetic and fit than his predecessor, Joe Biden, who left office in 2024 at age 82 amid concerns about his capacity. Trump’s medical reports, while positive, have done little to quell the narrative that his health is a liability rather than an asset.
<h2 class="The Stakes: What's Next for Trump's Health and the 2028 Election
The 2028 presidential election is already on the horizon, and Trump’s health will be a defining issue. His team has framed the latest report as a definitive rebuttal to critics, but the visual evidence of his physical condition continues to overshadow the medical data. The next few months will be critical: if Trump’s health deteriorates further, or if new images emerge that contradict the official narrative, the political fallout could be significant.
For now, Trump’s strategy appears to be twofold: leverage the medical report to silence doubts about his cognitive abilities, and use his public persona—including his signature handshakes and physical presence—to reinforce his image as a vigorous leader. But with the public’s trust in his health already fragile, the challenge ahead is clear: can the White House’s assurances outpace the visual evidence?
One thing is certain: the story of Trump’s health will not fade. It will only intensify as the 2028 campaign season approaches.
