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Over half of Americans think the president's health has noticeably declined in the past year.
12:54, Tue, May 26, 2026 Updated: 12:55, Tue, May 26, 2026
Over half of Americans think the president's health has noticeably declined in the past year (Image: Getty)
Donald Trump will visit hospital for the third time in 13 months for another medical checkup, amid fears by Americans that the US president is experiencing a decline in his mental faculties. Mr Trump is scheduled to visit Walter Reed Medical Center on Tuesday (May 26) for a medical and dental checkup, after he saw doctors in April 2025 and again in October for a "scheduled follow-up".
With the president, who turns 80 next month, now renowned for his tendency to descend into unrelated topics and nonsensical asides, which Mr Trump himself has dubbed “The Weave”, more than half of Americans have said he has noticeably declined in the past year, according to polling. This coincides with dropping approval ratings, which are now in the mid-30s in most surveys. The latest hospital visit comes as Mr Trump has appeared at public events with a growing number of bruises and red marks on his skin, including on his neck and hands.
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Trump has often been spotted with swollen ankles and bruises on his hands (Image: Getty)
Just 40% of Americans believe Mr Trump has the mental sharpness to serve as president, according to a Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll conducted in April, a seven-point drop from 47% in September. Regarding his physical health, the numbers are even starker, with 44% now saying he is fit for the job - a sharp drop from 54%.
Mr Trump, however, has repeatedly claimed he is in "excellent health" and feels better than he did 30 years ago, despite being the oldest president ever elected at 78 years old.
In recent outings, the president has been spotted with swollen ankles, bruises on his hands - often covered with makeup - and has been seen closing his eyes during meetings. He was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency in July 2025, a common vein condition which can cause swelling in the legs and ankles. He has also blamed his bruised hands on his substantial daily aspirin dose, which can increase the risk of bruising or bleeding, especially in older people and those taking higher doses.
Trump will visit Walter Reed Medical Center on Tuesday for his annual check up (Image: Getty)
Mr Trump has also denied dozing off at Cabinet meetings and Oval Office events, claiming that he is merely closing his eyes while listening as others speak.
His physical wellbeing has long been a subject of debate, with his close political allies, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., frequently joking about his love of fast food and Diet Coke.
Former White House doctors have also raised concerns that there may be a deeper issue with Trump's health: "This White House just doesn't seem to want to acknowledge any physical ailment, but older people develop medical issues, and the President is almost 80 years old," Jonathan Reiner, the former cardiologist for Vice President Dick Cheney, told Washington Post.
"There just seems to be a lack of candor from the White House."
English (US) · 