Jonathan Reiner, a George Washington University professor and Dick Cheney's former cardiologist, says President Trump "has not looked well," citing visible bruises, leg swelling and episodes of dozing. Reiner raises concerns about inconsistencies in the White House's medical disclosures — including an October MRI, the description of leg swelling as "chronic venous insufficiency," and changing medication records. He argues the public deserves clearer, medically specific explanations about the president's health.
Former Cheney Cardiologist Warns Trump "Has Not Looked Well" — Questions Raised Over Swelling, MRI and Cognitive Tests
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Jonathan Reiner, a professor of medicine and surgery at George Washington University who served as Dick Cheney's cardiologist for 27 years, wrote in The New York Times that President Donald Trump "has not looked well." Reiner says his long experience treating high-profile cardiac patients gives him cause for concern about several visible signs and recent medical disclosures.
Visible Signs Noted: Reiner points to large bruises on both of the president's hands, swelling in his legs and episodes in which Mr. Trump appears to doze during public events. These outward signs are, he argues, reason enough for clearer and more specific medical explanations.
Questions About the Executive Exam: Reiner highlights that the president was evaluated by 22 consultants during his most recent executive health assessment, an unusually large team even for an extensive exam. He calls for greater clarity about what prompted such broad testing and which specialties were involved.
Leg Swelling: Chronic Or Acute? The White House physician described Mr. Trump's leg swelling as "chronic venous insufficiency," a condition that typically develops gradually. Reiner notes that a previous public account of the president's exam, from a few months earlier, reported no leg swelling. "If that's true, his swelling would be by definition acute, not chronic," Reiner wrote, adding that acute swelling can signal more serious problems such as heart or kidney disease. He asks: "What's the reason for this discrepancy?"
Unexplained MRI Scans: In October, Mr. Trump underwent MRI imaging of his heart and abdomen. The White House said the scans were intended to confirm his "overall health," but Reiner questions whether a specific symptom or clinical event prompted this testing and asks for more detailed explanations of the findings.
Other Inconsistencies In Medical Records: Reiner also points to earlier reports that listed finasteride, a hair-loss medication, which was later omitted from public summaries. He further notes that Mr. Trump has repeatedly taken a simple cognitive screening test — the kind typically used when clinicians are concerned about possible cognitive decline — and that the president has incorrectly described that test as an "IQ test."
"In a representative democracy, the people must have confidence in the health of their leader, and in the leader's capacity to guide the nation," Reiner wrote. "We have been kept in the dark too long."
Reiner's piece calls for more transparent, medically specific disclosures when findings could reflect cardiac, renal or neurological disease. He emphasizes that public trust in leadership depends in part on clear, consistent communication about a president's health.
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