Trump Clarifies October Hospital Visit Involved CT Scan, Not MRI

President Donald Trump and his medical team now say that the imaging study he underwent at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in late October was a computed tomography (CT) scan, not a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination as the president had previously stated on several occasions.

The clarification emerged in an interview published Thursday by the Wall Street Journal. Trump told the newspaper that the procedure was a “scan” and “less than” an MRI. Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, the White House physician, confirmed to the outlet that the study was indeed a CT scan. Barbabella said the decision between a CT scan and an MRI had been left to the clinical team and that the CT option was selected.

Timeline of Statements

After the unannounced October visit to Walter Reed, Trump repeatedly referred to an MRI when describing the encounter. While flying aboard Air Force One in November, he said he would “absolutely” make the results public. On 1 December, the White House released a brief medical memo summarizing results from what it called “advanced imaging,” declaring the findings “perfectly normal.” The document did not specify the modality.

The administration has not provided a reason for the discrepancy between the president’s earlier characterization and the new information. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said only that the president’s clinicians had consistently referred to “advanced imaging.”

Purpose and Results of the Scan

According to Barbabella, the CT scan was performed to rule out cardiovascular disease. The imaging showed no abnormalities, and the physician said it corroborated earlier assessments that the president remains in “exceptional health.” A CT scan uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the body, whereas an MRI relies on magnetic fields and radio waves. Both technologies help clinicians evaluate internal organs and structures, but they differ in technique, cost and the type of detail they provide. More information on the two modalities can be found on the Mayo Clinic’s public resource page.

The October imaging was described by the White House as preventative, part of an ongoing effort to detect potential health issues at an early stage. Barbabella noted that such studies complement the routine annual physical and baseline laboratory work already performed.

President’s Reflections on the Test

In the Journal interview, Trump said that, in hindsight, he regrets consenting to the procedure because political opponents have used the visit to raise speculation about his fitness for office. He argued that the mere fact of having a scan generated questions even though the results were normal.

Medication and Bruising

During the conversation, Trump also addressed visible bruising on his hands observed at recent public events. He attributed the marks to a high dose of aspirin he has taken daily for approximately 25 years. According to the president, his medical team has recommended a lower dose, but he has declined to change the regimen because he believes the medication helps maintain blood flow. Aspirin is commonly prescribed for its blood-thinning effect, though prolonged use can increase bruising and bleeding risk.

Imagem: Internet

Questions About Alertness at Public Events

The Journal article noted instances in which Trump appeared to close his eyes during official meetings, including a Cabinet session in early December and a November announcement on drug pricing. White House staff have reportedly asked him to keep his eyes open during televised events, and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has encouraged presenters to shorten briefings to maintain engagement. Trump dismissed suggestions that he had fallen asleep, saying he sometimes closes his eyes briefly because he finds it relaxing.

Current Health Assessment

Barbabella reiterated in a separate statement to ABC News that the president remains “perfectly suited” to perform the duties of commander in chief. Besides the CT report, no additional details about laboratory values or cardiovascular testing have been disclosed publicly since the December memo.

The October visit was the second time during Trump’s presidency that an unannounced trip to Walter Reed drew broad attention. The White House maintains that the imaging and related tests were routine and that no urgent medical event prompted the hospital stop.

As of now, the administration has not indicated whether full records from the CT scan will be released. The standard annual physical for 2026 is expected to take place early in the new year, continuing a practice of publishing summary health information set during previous administrations.

Crédito da imagem: Reuters