Trump Saw 22 Specialists in May Exam — Nearly Double Prior Checkups, Raising Questions

President Donald Trump saw 22 medical specialists during his May annual health examination — nearly twice the number recorded in his previous checkups and, according to analysts, an apparent presidential record. The Washington Post reviewed the president’s exam materials and reported that several medical experts found the total unusual.

White House Response and Doctor's Assessment

The White House told The Washington Post that the 22-person tally included some generalist physicians among the specialists counted. Dr. Sean Barbabella, the president’s physician, wrote after the May exam that Trump "remains in excellent health, demonstrating strong cardiac, pulmonary, neurological and overall physical function." Trump reiterated that assessment on Truth Social, saying that "everything" had "checked out PERFECTLY."

Medical Community Reactions

President Trump saw 22 specialists as part of his recent medical exam, nearly doubling his past total and setting an apparent presidential record (AP)

Medical commentators told the Post that the number of specialists involved is "extraordinary" and has renewed health questions about the 79-year-old commander in chief, who is the oldest person to serve as U.S. president. Cardiologist Jonathan Reiner — who formerly treated Vice President Dick Cheney — said the specialist count was notable.

"It is an extraordinary number," said Jonathan Reiner, according to The Washington Post.

Some clinicians urged the report could have provided more detail on cardiovascular testing. Dr. William Shutze, a Texas vascular surgeon, told The Wall Street Journal he would have expected more information about the carotid ultrasound results and the extent of any plaque buildup — details that can be relevant to stroke risk and overall vascular health.

Other Findings And Public Reaction

Medical records also indicate the president appears to have stopped taking a common hair-loss prevention drug. Observers and critics have pointed to frequent bruising on the president’s hands and other signs as reasons for scrutiny.

The president is in ‘excellent health’ overall, according to the White House physician (AP)

Public concern about presidential fitness has a political context: intense scrutiny of President Joe Biden’s health played a role in public debate during the 2024 campaign. A recent poll from The Washington Post, ABC News and Ipsos found that 59 percent of respondents said they do not believe Mr. Trump has the mental acuity to serve as president, and 55 percent said they do not think he is physically healthy enough to carry out the duties of the office.

Online commentators also noted a recent moment in which the president appeared to nod off during the NBA Finals, which added to the public conversation about his stamina and alertness.

What Remains Unclear

While the White House and the president’s physician emphasize that Mr. Trump is in excellent health, the unusually high number of specialists involved and calls for more detailed cardiovascular data have left some physicians and members of the public seeking clearer disclosure about specific test results.