Donald Trump’s health has often been a subject of public interest and political debate. As the oldest U.S. President to start a second term in office, scrutiny of his fitness to serve is both expected and important. While questions about any leader’s health are normal, it is crucial to rely on substantiated, official information when examining the topic.
Medical Exams and Official Records
According to the White House medical report released in April 2025, President Trump underwent a comprehensive physical examination conducted by White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella. The report offered specific, documented details about his health:
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Height and Weight: 75 inches (6’3″) and 224 pounds
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Vision, Hearing, and Cardiovascular Assessments: Normal findings were recorded for eye, ear, neck, throat, and heart scans
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Colon Health: He underwent a colonoscopy in 2024, which revealed a benign polyp and diverticulitis (an inflammation of pockets in the colon). The medical plan included a follow-up colonoscopy in three years.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that colonoscopies are routine preventive measures, particularly for individuals over age 50, as they help identify and remove polyps before they can develop into cancer (CDC, 2024).
Ongoing Medical Treatments
The April 2025 White House health report also detailed President Trump’s prescriptions:
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Medication for cholesterol management
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A cardiac prevention medicine
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A topical cream for a diagnosed skin condition
In addition, Dr. Barbabella confirmed that President Trump had undergone bilateral cataract surgery, a common and generally safe procedure to correct vision by removing clouded lenses. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed and successful procedures worldwide (AAO, 2023).
Dr. Barbabella concluded that Trump’s overall condition demonstrated “robust cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and general physical function.” He added that the president’s “active lifestyle” contributed positively to his well-being.
Cognitive and Physical Assessments
President Trump also underwent cognitive testing as part of the April 2025 evaluation. He publicly stated he “got every answer right,” though full test results were not released beyond the official summary that he was “fully fit” to carry out the duties of Commander-in-Chief.
Dr. Barbabella’s final medical assessment read:
“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.”
These conclusions are consistent with protocols for presidential medical evaluations, which are typically conducted annually and are designed to ensure the president can fulfill the demands of the office.
Public Scrutiny of Viral Photo
Despite this official health assessment, questions resurfaced in June 2025 after a photo of President Trump at an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event went viral on social media. The picture showed UFC fighter Kayla Harrison placing a championship belt around Trump’s waist.
Social media posts suggested a visible crease or line down his pant leg was evidence of a medical device, such as a Foley catheter. It is important to clarify what a Foley catheter actually is:
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a Foley catheter is a flexible tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine when a person cannot urinate on their own. It is typically used after certain surgeries or in managing specific medical conditions (Cleveland Clinic, 2024).
However, no credible medical or government source has verified that President Trump is using such a device. Instead, the claims originated from user-generated posts on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok, without direct evidence.
Fact-Checking and Official Response
To address the rumors, fact-checking site Snopes investigated the viral posts. Snopes reached out to the White House for comment. White House spokesperson Steven Cheung responded:
“The President has been the most transparent president in history, and the recent medical report that was released clearly and unequivocally shows he is in peak condition.”
Cheung also criticized the online speculation, characterizing it as unfounded conspiracy theories.
Snopes did not find any credible evidence to support the claim that Trump was wearing a catheter at the event. As of June 2025, no reputable news outlet or medical authority has corroborated the claim. The only documented and released health information remains the official White House physician’s report.
Importance of Verified Medical Reporting
Presidential health is rightly considered a matter of public interest. However, spreading unverified claims based on visual interpretations of photographs can easily lead to misinformation. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other public health authorities have repeatedly stressed the need to combat health-related misinformation online, as it can undermine public trust in institutions and spread unnecessary fear or confusion.
Instead, the public can rely on:
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Official White House health reports: These are typically released annually and reviewed by qualified medical professionals.
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Reputable medical authorities: Organizations such as the CDC, American Medical Association, and Cleveland Clinic provide clear, evidence-based information about common medical procedures and devices.
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Credible fact-checking organizations: Platforms like Snopes and Reuters Fact Check help verify public claims.
The Broader Context of Presidential Health Disclosures
Trump’s health has been a frequent subject of political discourse. He himself has criticized rivals’ health and transparency, while facing questions about his own. For example, during the 2024 campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris released detailed medical records, while Trump’s campaign released only the physician’s summary.
Such debates reflect a long-standing tradition in American politics. Voters often expect candidates—particularly older ones—to share medical information to ensure they are fit for the presidency. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), age is an important but not exclusive factor in assessing health, and many older adults maintain high levels of physical and cognitive function.
Conclusion
As of June 2025, there is no verified evidence that President Donald Trump uses a Foley catheter or any other medical device beyond those documented in his official White House health report. Speculation based on viral images remains unsubstantiated.
For those interested in President Trump’s health or the health of any public official, the most reliable approach is to rely on official medical statements and reputable health sources. The released April 2025 White House medical evaluation describes the president as being in good overall health, with ongoing management of cholesterol and cardiac risk—an approach consistent with standard preventive care for older adults.
By prioritizing verified information over online speculation, the public can make more informed, responsible assessments about their leaders and their ability to serve.
Sources:
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White House Official Medical Report, April 2025
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Cleveland Clinic. “Foley Catheter: What It Is, Uses, and Care.” 2024. ClevelandClinic.org
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Colorectal Cancer Screening.” 2024. CDC.gov
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American Academy of Ophthalmology. “What Is Cataract Surgery?” 2023. AAO.org
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National Institutes of Health. “Aging and Health in Older Adults.” 2024. NIH.gov
