Trump’s MRI not standard ‘preventive’ care, experts say
“Doing screening MRIs of the heart and abdomen is certainly not standard medical practice,” says one expert.
President Donald Trump speaks to the media aboard Air Force One on November 25, 2025.
Pete Marovich/Getty Images
Medical experts are questioning the White House’s explanation for President Donald Trump’s MRI tests because “preventive,
A monday memo A statement issued by the president’s physician, Sean Barbella, described the results of a “thorough evaluation of heart and abdominal health” as normal. “This level of detailed evaluation is standard for an executive in the age of President Trump,” Barbabella said.
But the imaging experts we spoke to scientific American Skepticism was expressed about Barbabella’s claim that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening is specific preventive care. For example, American Heart Association guidelines note that cardiac MRI is usually requested Due to existing heart conditions and often only after other tests.
On supporting science journalism
If you enjoyed this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism Subscribing By purchasing a subscription, you are helping ensure a future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
“No, doing screening MRIs of the heart and abdomen is certainly not standard medical practice,” says the radiologist and MRI specialist Thomas Quay of the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. Such imaging is typically done only in the case of underlying disease, he says, or if underlying disease is suspected based on the patient’s medical history and physical examination. Barbabella’s memo said imaging showed Trump was in “excellent health.”
Quay’s comments echoed comments from physician Jeremy Faust, editor-in-chief of MedPage Today, who told CNN on Monday that “it’s actually there is no such thing As a routine prevention using MRI.” Faust told Tuesday. scientific American The reference to “advanced imaging” in the White House memo leaves open the question of what tests Trump actually underwent. For example, it could also possibly refer to a CT scan, which is different from an MRI. “If we knew exactly what imaging they got, it would give us a better idea of what conditions they’re worried about,” says Faust.
In response to a request for comment, White House press secretary Carolyn Leavitt responded to questions about what types of scans Trump received and why, saying, “As the President’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbella, has made clear repeatedly – and as the American people see with their own eyes every day – President Trump remains in excellent overall health.”
There are commercial companies that offer “preventive” MRI screening for a fee, many of which are marketed to executives. Some hospitals also offer this type of health checkup, but A 2019 study published in Jama Executive screening packages at 29 top-ranked hospitals found that none included an MRI.
“Evaluating a heart MRI and abdominal MRI is not ‘standard’ for an executive physical,” says the book’s author, former White House physician Jeffrey Kuhlman. presidential health care changesWhile it is not uncommon for physicians who have concierge-type practices to use full or partial body scans on their clients, “it is not evidence-based,” he adds,
Barbabella’s memo was released about a month after Trump revealed to reporters on Air Force One that he had undergone imaging tests. Trump said on Sunday that heno idea“Which part of her body was the image made of?
Questions about Trump’s health have arisen repeatedly in recent months. In July the White House reported that the president had chronic venous insufficiency, a blood vessel disease that affects circulation and can cause ankle swelling. and the “noticeable bruises on the backs of Trump’s hands” seen in February.held hands all dayBy Levitt.
Quay says there is no solid evidence that functional MRI scans help people diagnose disease or extend their lifespan. “These scans may also yield unexpected incidental findings and give false reassurance that there is no underlying disease.”
It’s time to stand up for science
If you enjoyed this article, I would like to ask for your support. scientific American He has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most important moment in that two-century history.
i have been one scientific American I’ve been a member since I was 12, and it’s helped shape the way I see the world. Science Always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does the same for you.
if you agree scientific AmericanYou help ensure that our coverage focuses on meaningful research and discovery; We have the resources to report on decisions that put laboratories across America at risk; And that we support both emerging and working scientists at a time when the value of science is too often recognised.
In return, you get the news you need, Captivating podcasts, great infographics, Don’t miss the newsletter, be sure to watch the video, Challenging games, and the best writing and reporting from the world of science. you can even Gift a membership to someone.
There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you will support us in that mission.
