President Donald Trump did not undergo an MRI during his most recent medical evaluation, despite press reports and the president's earlier public remark suggesting otherwise.
The president misspoke when referencing his diagnostic tests, according to people familiar with the president's medical records. Trump had actually undergone only a CT scan, a routine imaging procedure commonly used to assess cardiovascular health in men over 50, according to sources.
Here is what happened: In April, the president went to Walter Reed Hospital for his annual physical. He received a positive report of overall good health.
The president returned to Walter Reed in October, for what the White House described as a "semiannual physical."
Asked about the most recent check-up, the president, speaking informally with reporters, mentioned "an MRI they did."
The comment prompted immediate questions, as the official summary of the president's medical exam — released by the White House physician earlier this year — made no reference to any medical issue requiring an MRI follow-up.
Anti-Trump pundits and internet influencers seized on the information, claiming the president might be suffering from a mystery illness.
Some medical experts suggested the MRI exam was done to detect cognitive issues and evidence of a possible stroke the president might have suffered.
When asked by reporters about what part of the body the recent test covered, the president responded, "What part of the body? It wasn't the brain, because I took a cognitive test and I aced it."
He also said the White House would release the results from the exam.
And they did just that.
"As part of President Donald Trump's comprehensive executive physical, advanced imaging was performed because men in his age group benefit from a thorough evaluation of cardiovascular and abdominal health," White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella wrote in his Dec. 1 report.
"The purpose of this imaging is preventative: to identify issues early, confirm overall health, and ensure he maintains long-term vitality and function."
The report found the president's cardiovascular imaging "is perfectly normal," and his abdominal imaging "is also perfectly normal."
Notably, the White House medical document made no mention of an MRI.
Medical experts note that CT scans, not MRIs, are the customary imaging test for routine cardiac evaluations in older adults. An MRI is generally unnecessary unless there is a specific concern.
A coronary calcium CT scan is extremely common for men over 50. Doctors say it is quick, effective, and provides a reliable snapshot of cardiovascular risk.
Why did the White House not clarify the nature of the exam?
A source told Newsmax the reason is uncertain, but noted, "the president loves it when the fake news goes down rabbit holes, all these theories about his health over an MRI that never happened."
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