Politics

Trump’s Health Report: Experts Question Transparency After Latest Medical Update

Trump got COVID/flu shots. Experts question the report’s transparency and lack of clinical data.

October 11, 2025, 8:35 AM

U.S. President Donald Trump, wearing a dark suit and bright red tie, sits on a gold cushioned chair looking off-camera.

A close-up photograph of U.S. President Donald Trump shows him seated formally in the Oval Office during a high-level diplomatic meeting. By Brian Jason / Shutterstock.com.

Executive Summary

President Donald Trump received updated COVID-19 booster and annual influenza vaccinations during a recent “semi-annual” physical, with his physician stating he maintains “excellent overall health” and a “cardiac age” 14 years younger than his chronological age.

Medical experts, including Dr. Jonathan Reiner, voiced skepticism regarding the health report’s transparency and completeness, criticizing its lack of clinical data, use of non-standard tools, and failure to address key cardiovascular health questions or unexplained bruising.

The recent health report and subsequent expert scrutiny highlight ongoing concerns about the transparency of presidential medical disclosures, particularly for Donald Trump as one of the oldest presidents in U.S. history, following previous health speculations.

The Story So Far

The scrutiny surrounding President Trump’s recent physical examination and health report is part of an ongoing pattern, given his status as one of the oldest presidents in U.S. history. Past health disclosures have frequently sparked questions and speculation, and medical experts have consistently voiced concerns about the transparency and completeness of his official health updates, particularly in the context of holding a demanding public office.

Why This Matters

The recent health report for President Trump, while confirming vaccinations, has drawn significant criticism from medical experts due to its lack of clinical data, unsubstantiated claims about his “cardiac age,” and a perceived lack of transparency, thereby intensifying ongoing scrutiny regarding the completeness and veracity of presidential medical disclosures for an older individual in a demanding public office.

Who Thinks What?

President Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, stated that Trump received COVID-19 booster vaccinations and annual flu shots, “continues to demonstrate excellent overall health,” and can maintain a “demanding daily schedule without restriction,” also claiming his “cardiac age” was approximately 14 years younger than his chronological age.

Medical experts, such as Dr. Jonathan Reiner, criticized the health report for its “lack of candor and transparency,” absence of clinical data, and use of non-standard tools, raising questions about unaddressed cardiovascular health metrics and observed physical signs like severe bruising.

President Donald Trump received a COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot during his second physical examination of the year at Walter Reed Medical Center on Friday, according to a memo released by his physician. The visit, which Trump characterized as “semi-annual,” also included health screenings ahead of upcoming international travel, though medical experts subsequently raised questions about the transparency and completeness of the health report.

President’s Health Update

Dr. Sean Barbabella, the president’s physician, confirmed that Trump received updated COVID-19 booster vaccinations and annual influenza shots. Barbabella’s memo also asserted that the 79-year-old president’s “cardiac age” was approximately 14 years younger than his chronological age, a claim made without providing supporting evidence.

This report comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under Trump’s administration has shifted its guidance, moving away from broad recommendations for Covid-19 immunization to advising individuals to consult with a healthcare provider. Barbabella maintained that President Trump “continues to demonstrate excellent overall health” and can maintain a “demanding daily schedule without restriction.”

Expert Scrutiny and Transparency Concerns

Following the release of the memo, medical experts quickly voiced skepticism regarding the report’s details. Dr. Jonathan Reiner, an interventional cardiologist and CNN medical analyst, criticized the report for its “lack of candor and transparency” and its absence of clinical data. He highlighted that the AI-derived tool used to calculate heart age is not a standard, clinically accepted tool.

Reiner emphasized that more meaningful clinical questions about the president’s cardiovascular health remain unaddressed. He cited inquiries about ejection fraction, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and any evidence of a heart attack or atrial fibrillation. He also questioned the reported “stable” test results, distinguishing them from “normal,” and sought clarification on the severe bruising observed on Trump’s hands, which are often associated with blood thinners.

Prior Health Disclosures

As one of the oldest presidents in U.S. history, Trump has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding his health. Previous concerns have included persistent bruising on his right hand, which the White House physician attributed to frequent handshaking and aspirin use. Over the summer, Trump was also diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition for older individuals, which caused leg swelling and sparked earlier health speculation.

Ongoing Scrutiny

The recent health report and the subsequent commentary from medical professionals underscore persistent questions surrounding the transparency of presidential medical disclosures. These concerns are particularly relevant for an incumbent holding a demanding public office.