Trump health update: Dick Cheney's doctor raises new questions on Trump's bruises, swelling and alertness

Former Vice President Dick Cheney's cardiologist, Dr. Jonathan Reiner, has raised concerns about President Donald Trump's visible health issues. In an opinion piece published by The New York Times on August 12, Reiner pointed to bruising on Trump's hands, swelling in his legs, and moments where he appeared to struggle to stay awake during public appearances. Reiner emphasized that he is not Trump's doctor and has not diagnosed him, but stated that the public should receive clearer answers regarding the president's health.

Reiner acknowledged that he is not Trump's personal physician, having only reviewed publicly available records. He stressed that the president is undoubtedly the most photographed leader in American history, making it easy to observe any physical ailments. Reiner's observations included large bruises on both hands, swelling in his legs, and episodes where Trump seemed to be having trouble staying awake.

The White House strongly opposed Reiner's statements, accusing him of engaging in armchair diagnosis for political motives. They described him as "an ass-hat engaging in armchair diagnosis for political purposes" and a "disgrace to the medical profession." The administration defended Trump as "the sharpest, most accessible, and energetic president in American history," dismissing his appearance as due to frequent handshaking and aspirin use.

After Trump's May 2026 examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Dr. Sean Barbabella confirmed that the president was in "excellent health" and fully capable of performing his presidential duties. The report noted slight swelling in Trump's lower legs, which had improved, and described bruising on his hands, linking it to handshaking and aspirin use. However, Trump scored 30 out of 30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment.