Donald Trump’s health remains a topic of ongoing speculation, even as official reports affirm he is medically sound. While the former president has been declared “fully fit” to lead by his White House physician, some health professionals continue to raise red flags based on his recent public appearances.
In April, Dr. Sean Barbabella, Trump’s attending physician, issued a statement declaring that the former president is in “excellent cognitive and physical health.” The detailed medical summary cited routine exams of the heart, throat, ears, and eyes—all returning regular results. Barbabella also revealed Trump had a benign polyp discovered during a 2024 colonoscopy and a diagnosis of diverticulitis, with a follow-up procedure scheduled in three years.
The report also listed various medications, including treatments for cholesterol and cardiac prevention, along with a topical cream for a skin condition. The former president is said to have undergone successful cataract surgery in both eyes and maintains what the doctor described as a generally “active lifestyle” contributing positively to his overall health.
Trump, speaking to reporters after the evaluation, emphasized his performance on a cognitive assessment: “I got every answer right,” he claimed. “They tested my heart and other things—everything came back strong.”
A psychologist raises motor skill concerns
Despite the clean bill of health, critics have questioned the credibility and transparency of Trump’s medical reports. Among the skeptics is psychologist Dr. John Gartner, who recently voiced concern over the 45th president’s motor function, suggesting that subtle changes in physical behavior could point to early signs of frontotemporal dementia.
In an interview on The Dean Obeidallah Show, Gartner analyzed video footage of Trump’s public appearances and compared them to older clips from the 1980s. “We found him in his younger years playing sports, moving athletically, diving for a volleyball,” Gartner said. “Now, it’s very different. His coordination has clearly changed—he has trouble going up stairs, and he’s taken several falls.”
One detail that stood out, Gartner explained, is what neurologists refer to as a “leg swing” — a motion where one leg swings in a semicircle, indicating it may not be functioning properly. “In Trump’s case, it’s his right leg. Several neurologists I’ve spoken with view this as a telltale sign of frontotemporal dementia.”
He added that while these observations aren’t definitive without clinical testing, the consistency of the physical pattern suggests that the matter deserves further scrutiny. One of Gartner’s colleagues, neurologist Dr. Zoffman, reportedly expressed high confidence that the leg movement is symptomatic of the condition.
White House remains silent on speculation
Despite the emerging commentary from outside medical professionals, Trump’s team has not responded directly to the claims. White House medical updates remain limited to official statements and avoid engaging with speculation on social media or from unaffiliated physicians.
As the former president eyes another run for the White House, questions around age and fitness continue to surface — not just for Trump, but for his likely 2024 rival as well. The debate reflects a broader concern about leadership longevity and transparency in public office.
While supporters accept Trump’s health assurances at face value, critics argue that public figures of his stature should face more rigorous and independent evaluation.