Politics

President Trump Clarifies October Medical Procedure Was CT Scan, Not MRI

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Jan 2, 2026

THE BARE STORY

President Donald Trump stated in an interview published Thursday, January 1, that a medical examination he underwent at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in October was a CT scan. This clarification contradicts his previous comments to reporters, in which he identified the procedure as an MRI. Trump expressed regret regarding the scan, suggesting it provided "ammunition" for speculation about his health, though he insisted that "nothing's wrong."

The president’s physician, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, confirmed the procedure was a CT scan performed to rule out cardiovascular issues. Barbabella stated that the results were "perfectly normal" and revealed no abnormalities. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted on Thursday that the administration and medical team had consistently utilized the term "advanced imaging" when referring to the test. Leavitt added that the president was transparent in disclosing the specific details.

During the interview, the 79-year-old president also discussed his long-term use of a high daily dose of aspirin, which he takes as a blood thinner. Trump stated that he has refused medical advice to lower the dosage, which he has maintained for approximately 25 years. Previous medical memos have attributed visible bruising on the president's hands to the combination of aspirin use and soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking.

The president also addressed recent criticism regarding his appearance at public events, denying allegations that he has fallen asleep during meetings. Trump explained that he closes his eyes to relax or was photographed while blinking. According to reports cited in the interview, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has asked Cabinet members to shorten presentations, and staff have counseled the president to try to keep his eyes open during events.

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• Contradictory statements fueling speculation President Trump acknowledged that his recent medical scan provided "ammunition" for speculation regarding his health. This comment followed a correction in which he clarified the procedure was a CT scan, contradicting his previous statement to reporters identifying it as an MRI.

• Reports of staff managing presidential engagement According to reports cited in the interview, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has asked Cabinet members to shorten their presentations. Furthermore, staff have reportedly counseled the president to try to keep his eyes open during events following criticism of his appearance at public gatherings.

• Refusal of specific medical recommendations The president admitted to refusing medical advice to lower his high daily dose of aspirin, a regimen he has maintained for approximately 25 years. He continues to take the blood thinner at his preferred dosage despite professional recommendations to adjust it.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• Confirmation of normal cardiovascular results may provide assurance regarding the stability of the executive branch and the President's immediate capacity to fulfill official duties.

• Reported adjustments to executive operations, such as shortening Cabinet presentations, could alter how complex policy details are communicated to and processed by the administration.

• The correction regarding the specific medical procedure performed may influence public confidence in the accuracy and transparency of future health disclosures released by the White House.

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