Donald Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, gave a frosty reply when quizzed over the US President’s health and MRI scan at a press briefing today
Karoline Leavitt quizzed on why Donald Trump had an MRI scan
Donald Trump’s Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, brushed off questions about the US President’s health, insisting the 79-year-old was in “optimal physical health”.
The White House news briefing on Tuesday came just a day before Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China are set to be reviewed by the US Supreme Court.
When CNN’s Kristen Holmes asked why Trump had recently undergone an MRI, Leavitt said: “As President Trump said, he would enquire with the physicians, I’ll check back on that. But as the physical [examination into his health, published earlier this year] stated, Kristen, and as you all know, because you are all witness to it every single day, the president is in optimal physical health.”
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The 28-year-old added: “This was a follow-up appointment, and we provided a detailed read-out of that physical. I’m happy to give it to you again, and I can enquire further.”
However, Holmes pushed back, pointing out that an MRI is a “very specific procedure” and not a routine check-up.
She said: “With all due respect, an MRI is a very specific procedure. It’s done on a part of the body, looking for something specific, so it’s not generally part of any kind of routine check-up.
“In addition, President Trump has said he wants to be transparent. He has told us to ask the doctors, which we have and have not heard back. Why don’t we have more information on this?” To this, Leavitt replied sharply: “As I said, I’ll check back for you.”
It comes as Trump’s health has come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks, following a series of public appearances – and notable absences – that have fuelled rumours about a possible decline.
The president was seen with bruises on his hands and swollen ankles. However, in October, his doctor issued an update on his health, stating his cardiac age is approximately 14 years younger than his actual age.
Trump reportedly underwent a “routine yearly checkup” at Walter Reed Medical Centre in Bethesda, Maryland. In a one-page memo, his doctor, Navy Captain Sean Barbabella, stated: “President Donald J. Trump remains in exceptional health, exhibiting strong cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological and physical performance.”
