President Donald Trump has raised new questions about his health after opting to visit a local dentist in Florida over the weekend rather than using the on-site dental clinic at the White House. The president was in Florida for regional events, including a PGA tour game at his Doral golf club. On Saturday, a White House press pool report noted that Trump attended a scheduled appointment with his Florida dentist. This follows a similar visit in January, despite the White House having its own dental operatory, as reported by USA TODAY. Previous presidents, including Joe Biden, have used the White House dental suite for procedures such as root canals. The Independent has sought comment from the White House.
Ongoing Health Scrutiny
Trump, who turns 80 next month, has faced persistent health scrutiny. Earlier this year, bruising on his hands sparked speculation about an underlying condition. There has been continuous commentary regarding his mental state since his return to the White House. Health trackers have also highlighted Trump's swollen ankles, photographed during his Florida trip. The swelling is likely due to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), diagnosed last July. According to the Cleveland Clinic, CVI damages valves in the leg veins, causing blood to pool and leading to swelling and ulcers. Trump told the Wall Street Journal in January that he tried compression socks but stopped because he "didn't like them."
Past Medical Choices
Trump has made unconventional medical decisions, notably his daily intake of 325 milligrams of aspirin—four times the recommended dosage. He explained that aspirin "thins out the blood" to prevent thick blood from flowing through his heart. He has attributed hand bruising partly to aspirin use, though the White House previously said the discoloration was from vigorous handshaking.
Despite health questions, Trump insists he is perfectly healthy. At a fundraising dinner earlier this year, he quoted former White House physician Ronny Jackson, now a Republican congressman, who allegedly said Trump was "by far" the healthiest of the last three presidents, adding that without junk food, he'd live to 200 years. This list includes Barack Obama, who regularly played basketball and golfed, maintaining a weight around 180 pounds. In 2018, Jackson described Trump's cardiac health as "excellent" and attributed it to "incredible genes."
Denials and Deflections
Trump has denied claims of falling asleep during meetings, saying photographers caught him blinking or that closing his eyes is relaxing, especially during "boring" meetings. Former doctor Harold Bornstein, who died in 2021, gave Trump a glowing health report in 2015 but later claimed Trump dictated the letter himself. In 2021, reports suggested Trump was sicker than disclosed during his 2020 COVID-19 treatment at Walter Reed Medical Center.
Trump's next major medical milestone is his annual checkup, now overdue by almost a month. His last exam was on April 11, 2025.
