Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed he’s in peak health—a claim backed by official medical reports—but recent expert observations are raising fresh questions about the former president’s physical and cognitive condition.
In April, Dr. Sean Barbabella, Trump’s physician, released a detailed report declaring Trump “fully fit” to serve. According to the report, Trump stands 75 inches tall, weighs 224 pounds, and showed normal results in scans of his eyes, ears, heart, and throat. The report noted his history of cataract surgery, prescribed medications, a recent colonoscopy revealing a benign polyp and mild diverticulitis, and overall robust neurological and physical health. Barbabella credited Trump’s active lifestyle for his well-being.
“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,” Barbabella wrote. Trump echoed the assessment, saying, “I took a cognitive test… and I got every answer right,” emphasizing that the examination included multiple heart and neurological tests.
Yet not everyone accepts these conclusions.
Psychologist Dr. John Gartner, who specializes in mental health and has taught at Johns Hopkins University Medical School, has voiced serious doubts about Trump’s current condition. Speaking on The Dean Obeidallah Show, Gartner suggested Trump may show early signs of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a degenerative disorder affecting behavior, speech, and motor skills.
Gartner compared Trump’s current movements to archived footage from the 1980s. “I have a film of him playing volleyball, diving to dig the ball and popping up… he was very coordinated. And now… he struggles with stairs and trips more often,” he said. He highlighted a semicircular swing of Trump’s right leg, which neurologists identify as a potential early indicator of FTD.
Adding to public speculation, circulating videos and images appear to show Trump possibly wearing a catheter beneath his clothing—something his team has neither confirmed nor denied—but fueling online discussion. Dr. Zoffman, a medical professional consulted by Gartner, reportedly reviewed footage and stated she is “absolutely convinced” Trump shows signs consistent with frontotemporal dementia based on his gait and associated behaviors.
So far, neither Trump nor his representatives have responded to Gartner’s claims. The April health report remains the official statement on the former president’s condition.
This debate has sparked wider questions about transparency in the health of political leaders—particularly those seeking or holding the highest office. How much information should the public have access to, and what are the signs that merit closer attention?
Do you trust the official medical reports, or do these observations raise legitimate concerns?