
Trump Under Fire Over MRI Scan Claims
President Donald Trump underwent an MRI at Walter Reed Medical Center on October 10, though he maintained it was part of a routine physical. The White House released a memo from Dr. Sean Barbabella, confirming the president received “advanced imaging, laboratory testing, and preventive health assessments.” Trump later told reporters aboard Air Force One that the MRI results were “perfect” and among the best ever seen for someone his age.
Questions About Transparency
Despite assurances, Trump admitted he “had no idea” which part of his body had been scanned. This statement has drawn skepticism from medical experts. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated in mid-November that Trump “remains in exceptional physical health,” even after public concerns over bruising and swollen ankles.
Doctor Challenges Trump’s Statement
Dr. Vin Gupta, NBC News medical analyst and former Amazon Chief Medical Officer, criticized Trump’s claim. Speaking on the MeidasTouch Podcast, Gupta said, “You know when you get an MRI what part of your body is going into the very narrow scanner… for 15 to 45 minutes. The notion that he doesn’t know what got scanned is nonsensical.”
Gupta also questioned the justification for an MRI during a routine check-up, noting the test often produces false positives and is rarely used for general screenings.
Possible Motive Behind the MRI
Gupta suggested the MRI may have been intended to assess neurological or cognitive function, rather than serve as a standard physical exam. “If the team was concerned about his neurologic status or observed something unusual, it would make sense to order an MRI,” he explained.
The situation underscores continued public scrutiny over Trump’s health disclosures, fueling debate about transparency and the true purpose of high-level medical testing for national leaders.