On Friday, April 11, 2025, President Donald Trump underwent his annual physical at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, a routine checkup that drew attention when he revealed it included a cognitive test. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One afterward, Trump, now 78 and the oldest president sworn into office, said he “got every answer right” on the test, adding that he felt “in very good shape” overall. The news has sparked curiosity about what the test involved and what it means for a president whose health is under scrutiny.
Trump did not go into specifics about the cognitive test, only saying that it was "pretty well-known" and that he passed with flying colors. Based on his history, it is most likely the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, or MoCA, a 10-minute screening tool he took in 2018, during his first term. That examination, designed to detect early warning signs of cognitive issues like dementia, asks for things like drawing a clock, listing animals, or recalling a short list of words—like the "person, woman, man, camera, TV" sequence Trump notoriously dictated in 2020. His doctor at the time reported he scored a perfect 30 out of 30, and Trump has relied on that ever since, bringing it up regularly to contrast himself with political rivals.
The physical itself took about four hours, and Trump sounded upbeat, telling reporters he’s got a “good heart” and a “very good soul.” He said a full report from his doctors would likely come out Sunday, April 13, offering more details. The White House backed this up, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt promising an update “as soon as possible” for transparency’s sake. But if history’s any guide, these reports tend to be light on hard data—more of a general thumbs-up than a deep dive into medical records.
Why the cognitive test? Trump hinted it was his idea, saying he “wanted to be a little different” than his predecessor, Joe Biden, whose mental sharpness was a campaign talking point in 2024. At 78, Trump’s own age has raised eyebrows, especially after a grueling campaign marked by two assassination attempts—one in July 2024 in Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed his ear. He’s brushed off concerns, posting on Truth Social before the physical that he’s “never felt better.” Still, the public hasn’t gotten a clear look at his health since 2018, when his then-doctor shared basics like his height (6’3”), weight (around 244 pounds), and cholesterol meds.
The MoCA, if that’s what he took, isn’t a measure of intelligence—it’s a quick check for red flags like memory loss or confusion. A perfect score means no obvious issues, but it doesn’t tell the whole story about mental fitness. Experts say it’s sensitive enough to catch early problems but not a deep dive into someone’s overall brainpower. Trump’s focus on it, though, shows he’s aware of the chatter about age and leadership, especially after a campaign where both he and Biden faced questions about stamina.
For now, the spotlight’s on Sunday’s report. Will it confirm Trump’s claims of tip-top shape, or will it dodge specifics like some past updates? Either way, his health—physical and mental—matters to a nation watching closely. With big decisions ahead, from foreign policy to domestic fights, a president’s clarity is no small thing. Until the report drops, all we’ve got is Trump’s word that he nailed the test and feels ready for the job.