President Donald Trump is undergoing a "semiannual physical" at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, as confirmed by the White House. This visit occurs amidst his preparations for travel to the Middle East, following a ceasefire deal in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt initially described this visit as a "routine yearly check up," even though Trump had completed his annual physical just six months prior, in April.

The contradiction regarding the timing of the physical has not been clarified by the White House. In a conversation with reporters, Trump mentioned that he was indeed attending a "semiannual physical," a term he reiterated while discussing his health in the Oval Office. "I think I’m in great shape, but I’ll let you know," Trump stated, expressing confidence about his health status.

After his visit to Walter Reed, located in Bethesda, Maryland, Trump is set to return to the White House. His April physical, conducted by Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, concluded that Trump was "fully fit" to continue serving as commander in chief. The summary of that examination stated that the president had lost 20 pounds since June 2020 and highlighted his "active lifestyle," which contributes positively to his overall health at the age of 79.

In July, it was announced that Trump had undergone a medical checkup due to "mild swelling" in his lower legs. The examination revealed he has chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition in older adults characterized by poor blood flow due to malfunctioning valves in the veins. This condition results in blood pooling in the legs, and while it is generally manageable, it warrants monitoring as Trump continues to age.

During the April physical, Trump also passed a short cognitive screening test aimed at evaluating various brain functions, reinforcing assessments of his mental acuity as he navigates the demands of the presidency.

Overall, Trump's medical evaluations highlight both the routine nature of health examinations for individuals in his position and the particular challenges that come with age. His ongoing commitment to maintaining his health, as underscored by his descriptions of his physical regimen, reflects a personal investment in remaining engaged and effective as a leader.