Donald Trump has confirmed that he will be heading to Walter Reed Medical Center for the second time this year.
The 47th US President made headlines earlier this year after viewers spotted blotches of make-up on his swollen hands, as rumours started to fly.
People even theorised in the weeks following that they'd spotted a 'lump' on his arm, though this has not been confirmed.
As for the swelling on his hands and ankles, it was confirmed that Trump was suffering from something called chronic venous insufficiency, which is caused by damage to the veins.
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The disorder is common with older age, with one in 20 people over the age of 50 dealing with the condition.
It can cause swelling and skin discolouration, with more severe cases resulting in ulcers - while it isn't life-threatening, it can be treated with blood thinners in more severe situations.
But months on from that health news, Trump has announced that he will be returning to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center today (10 October).
While it was first claimed to be a 'yearly checkup', the trip is just six months after Trump's regular physical, which the President has now called a 'semi-annual' exam, claiming that he remains healthy.
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Speaking from the Oval Office yesterday, he said: “I think I’m in great shape, but I’ll let you know,
“When I’m around, I like to check. Always be early, it’s a lesson for a lot of people.”
The President's visit will be different to the traditional procedure of undergoing a single comprehensive exam each year, though the 79-year-old's existing chronic venous insufficiency condition is known to be easily manageable.
Speaking on Trump's highly scrutinised swollen hands, a White House physician said it was due to 'frequent handshaking' and aspirin use, which can cause bruising.
While presidents have access to essential medical care at the White House, they go to Walter Reed for more extensive tests.
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Following Trump's announcement, no other details have emerged, though Trump said he would meet and speak to troops at the medical centre and is expected to return to the White House ahead of a trip to the Middle East to progress the peace deal between Israel and Hamas.
Trump said: “We’re planning on leaving sometime Sunday, and I look forward it, everybody’s celebrating.”
Trump previously spoke of his medical evaluations as proof of his hard work, mentioning a cognitive test which he apparently excelled in, often comparing his mental and physical health to his predecessor Joe Biden's.
He has kept certain things under wraps, such as the severity of his COVID symptoms after contracting the virus in October 2020, which resulted in his hospitalisation.
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Trump has been praised for his health in previous medical exams, though, even throughout his first term in office, as the White House called on then-presidential physician Dr. Ronny Jackson to issue a statement which said Trump was 'the healthiest president this nation has ever seen'.
Sean Barbabella, who is now physician to the President, said he was 'fully fit' after his latest check-up in April, stating: “President Trump remains in excellent health.”
Topics: Donald Trump, Health, Politics, US News
Joshua Nair