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Trump: Oldest elected US president undergoes medical check

Zac Crellin with AFP, AP | Karl Sexton
April 11, 2025

Donald Trump repeatedly boasted about his health while mocking his predecessor Joe Biden as being mentally unfit. The 78-year-old Republican is an avid golfer who abstains from alcohol and smoking.

US President Donald Trump
Donald Trump's medical examination is set to last five hoursImage: Molly Roberts/White House/ZUMA/IMAGO

Donald Trump, the oldest elected US president, underwent his first annual medical examination since returning to the White House on Friday.

"I have never felt better, but nevertheless, these things must be done!" the president, who was 78 years old when he took office for the second time in January, said on his Truth Social platform earlier this week.

Trump has repeatedly boasted about his vigor since returning to office while also mocking his predecessor, 82-year-old Joe Biden, as being mentally unfit for the job.

However, he had also been accused of a lack of transparency about his own health.

While Trump was a prolific golfer who abstained from alcohol and cigarettes, he was also known to indulge in fast food and famously enjoyed his steaks well-done.

What did we know about Trump's medical exam?

Trump was examined at Walter Reed military hospital near Washington for around five hours.

Afterwards, Trump flew to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida to spend the weekend.

Speaking to reporters on the flight, Trump said he was at Walter Reed "for a long time" and had undergone "every test you can imagine."

He added that doctors had given him "a little bit of advice" on improving his health, and that he "got every answer right" in a cognitive test.

"Overall, I felt I was in very good shape," Trump said. "A good heart, a good soul, a very good soul."

He also said that the medical report from his examination won't be released until Sunday.

Edited by: Louis Oelofse and Wesley Dockery

Karl Sexton Writer and editor focused on international current affairs
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