President says his health is great after unscheduled check-up

THE US president spent more than two hours at a medical centre on Saturday for tests, which he said were “great”.

The appointment at Walter Reed National Medical Centre was not on Donald Trump’s weekend public schedule, and his last physical assessment was in February. Stephanie

Grisham, the White House press secretary, said the 73-year-old president was “anticipating a very busy 2020” and wanted to take advantage of “a free weekend” in Washington to begin his routine check-up.

She did not specify which tests he received or explain why the visit had not been disclosed in advance. Mr Trump’s 2018 and 2019 physicals were both announced ahead of time and appeared on his public schedule.

Mr Trump tweeted: “Visited a great family of a young man under major surgery at the amazing Walter Reed Medical Centre. Those are truly some of the best doctors anywhere in the world. Also began phase one of my yearly physical. Everything very good (great!) Will complete next year.” Ms Grisham said after the visit that the president had had “a quick exam and labs”. “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.

Mr 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,” Ms Grisham said.

Mr Trump’s last check-up in February 2019 showed he had gained weight. At 243lbs and 6ft 3in tall, he passed the threshold for being considered obese.