President Donald Trump spent over two hours at the Walter Reed National Medical Center on Saturday as part of his annual physical for what the White House said were medical tests.
The appointment was not on the public calendar for the weekend of Trump, and his last physical was in February. Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said the 73-year-old president was “anticipating a very busy 2020” and wanted to take advantage of Washington’s “free weekend” to begin part of his routine check-up.
She did not specify which assessments he had undergone or explain why the visit was not previously reported. Trump’s physicals for 2018 and 2019 were both announced in advance and listed on his public calendar.
After the visit, Grisham said the president had “a simple examination and laboratories” and promised that he would remain in good health.
“The President remains healthy and energetic without complaints, as demonstrated by his repeated vigorous rally performances in front of thousands of Americans several times a week,” she said.
Trump also spent time at the hospital meeting with the family of a special forces soldier injured in Afghanistan. And he visited with medical staff “to share his thanks for all the outstanding care they provide to our Wounded Warriors, and wish them an early happy Thanksgiving,” Grisham said.
It was the ninth visit to the hospital by the president since he took office.
Walter Reed’s spokeswoman, Sandy Dean, said the hospital did not comment on patients receiving care at the facility and asked the White House questions.
In February 2019, Trump’s first check-up revealed that he had gained weight in office. He passed the official threshold for being considered obese at 243 pounds and 6 feet, 3 inches tall, with a body mass index of 30.4.
The check-up, monitored by his doctor, Dr. Sean P. Conley, lasted more than four hours and included a team of 11 experts.
“I am happy to announce the President of the United States is in very good health and I anticipate he will remain so for the duration of his Presidency, and beyond,” Conley wrote afterward.
Six days later, test results were released, showing that Trump was weighing 243 pounds — up from September 2016 to seven pounds before becoming president.
A 30 Body Mass Index is the level at which doctors consider someone overweight under the formula that is commonly used. Approximately 40 percent of Americans are obese, raising the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and certain forms of cancer.
Trump does not smoke or drink alcohol, but is known to enjoy fast food, steaks, and desserts. Golf is his main form of exercise.
As part of the impeachment investigation, Saturday’s test came as House investigators on Capitol Hill grilled a White House budget official. Trump maintained that he had done nothing wrong.
