Donald Trump has repeatedly asserted that he’s in excellent health—claims backed by official medical evaluations—but recent observations and expert opinions are raising new questions.
In April, the White House released a medical report from Dr. Sean Barbabella, Trump’s physician, who assured the public that the former president is “fully fit” to serve. The report detailed that Trump stands 75 inches tall, weighs 224 pounds, and has normal results from scans of his eyes, ears, heart, and throat. It also noted he had cataract surgery, was taking several prescribed medications, and had recently undergone a colonoscopy that revealed a benign polyp and mild diverticulitis. Barbabella concluded that Trump was in “robust” physical and neurological health, crediting an active lifestyle for his well-being.
<blockquote>“President Trump exhibits excellent cognitive and physical health and is fully fit to execute the duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State,” Dr. Barbabella wrote.</blockquote>
Trump echoed those sentiments, telling reporters after the exam, “I took a cognitive test… and I got every answer right.” He emphasized that the medical exam included “a lot of different tests,” including heart assessments.
Despite this clean bill of health, not everyone is convinced.
Psychologist Dr. John Gartner, who specializes in mental health and previously taught at Johns Hopkins University Medical School, has cast serious doubt on Trump’s current physical and cognitive state. In a recent interview on The Dean Obeidallah Show, Gartner claimed that Trump may be showing early signs of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a degenerative condition known for affecting behavior, speech, and motor coordination.
Gartner pointed to changes in Trump’s motor skills as a potential red flag, noting a stark contrast between Trump’s physical agility in the 1980s and his current movements. Using old video footage as reference, Gartner said:
<blockquote>“I have a film of him playing volleyball, diving to dig the ball and popping up… he was very coordinated. And now… he really does have trouble getting up the stairs, he does trip and fall.”</blockquote>
He explained that Trump’s slow gait and instances of stumbling may be more than just aging. One movement in particular—a semicircular swing of the right leg—stood out to neurologists Gartner consulted.
<blockquote>“If you watch the way he walks, he has what they call a leg swing… like it’s a dead weight,” Gartner said, adding that it’s a known indicator of frontotemporal dementia.</blockquote>
Adding fuel to the speculation are circulating online images and videos suggesting Trump may be wearing a catheter beneath his clothing—something neither confirmed nor denied by his team, but still feeding public curiosity and concern.
Another medical expert, Dr. Zoffman, reportedly reviewed footage and told Gartner she’s “absolutely convinced” that Trump has frontotemporal dementia based on this gait pattern and associated symptoms.
So far, Trump and his representatives have not addressed Gartner’s claims, and the April health report remains the official statement on his condition.
While speculation continues, the debate raises broader questions about the transparency of health information for political leaders, especially those seeking or holding the highest offices in the country.
Do you believe Trump’s medical assessments? Or do the recent observations raise legitimate concerns? Let us know your thoughts below.
