White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt found herself under pressure on Tuesday when reporters repeatedly asked why President Donald Trump had undergone an MRI during a recent visit to Walter Reed Military Medical Center last week.
Leavitt offered little clarity, saying only that she would “check back,” while insisting the president remained in “optimal physical health.”
Video
The questions came after the 79-year-old MAGA chief revealed last week that he had undergone both an MRI and a cognitive test during a visit to the military hospital. The disclosure came just six months after his annual physical in April.
During the briefing, CNN’s Kristen Holmes asked, “Why did President Trump get an MRI during his recent visit to Walter Reed?” Leavitt responded that the visit had been a “follow-up appointment” and repeated that the president was in “optimal physical health.”
When Holmes pressed further, noting that an MRI is "a very specific procedure" and not typically part of a routine exam, Leavitt repeated, “I’ll check back for you,” before moving on to another question.
Trump claims his test results were 'perfect'
Trump first mentioned the scan himself while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Japan. “We had an MRI, MRI and the machine, you know, the whole thing, and it was perfect,” he said, later directing reporters to ask his doctors for details.
Concerns over the president’s health have lingered for months. Photos showing bruises on his hands and swelling in his ankles have raised questions about his condition. The White House attributed the bruising to frequent handshakes and Trump’s routine aspirin use, and said the swelling was caused by chronic venous insufficiency, a common ailment in older adults. Officials have maintained that the president’s medication or daily schedule has not changed.
Leavitt offered little clarity, saying only that she would “check back,” while insisting the president remained in “optimal physical health.”
Video
The questions came after the 79-year-old MAGA chief revealed last week that he had undergone both an MRI and a cognitive test during a visit to the military hospital. The disclosure came just six months after his annual physical in April.
Reporter: Why did the President get an MRI?
— Acyn (@Acyn) November 4, 2025
Leavitt: I will check back on that. But as you all know because you are all witness to it, every single day the president is in optimal physical health.
Reporter: It’s a very specific procedure. It’s not generally routine. He said he… pic.twitter.com/p5SgLNPbZL
During the briefing, CNN’s Kristen Holmes asked, “Why did President Trump get an MRI during his recent visit to Walter Reed?” Leavitt responded that the visit had been a “follow-up appointment” and repeated that the president was in “optimal physical health.”
When Holmes pressed further, noting that an MRI is "a very specific procedure" and not typically part of a routine exam, Leavitt repeated, “I’ll check back for you,” before moving on to another question.
Trump claims his test results were 'perfect'
Trump first mentioned the scan himself while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Japan. “We had an MRI, MRI and the machine, you know, the whole thing, and it was perfect,” he said, later directing reporters to ask his doctors for details.
Concerns over the president’s health have lingered for months. Photos showing bruises on his hands and swelling in his ankles have raised questions about his condition. The White House attributed the bruising to frequent handshakes and Trump’s routine aspirin use, and said the swelling was caused by chronic venous insufficiency, a common ailment in older adults. Officials have maintained that the president’s medication or daily schedule has not changed.
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