Trump keeps doctor on a short leash as report reveals three-minute rule
Doctor stays close to Trump
A report published by The Wall Street Journal says Trump’s personal physician must remain no more than three minutes away from the president. Navy Captain Dr. Sean Barbabella oversees the arrangement and provides emergency-ready care.
Barbabella, 56, served in Afghanistan before taking his White House post. He conducts health evaluations for Trump, who is described in the article as 80, and prepares public medical reports.
Public assessments praise health
Barbabella’s public summaries have drawn attention for their positive descriptions of Trump’s condition. A May 2026 report said an AI-enhanced ECG analysis estimated Trump’s cardiac age at about 14 years younger than his chronological age.
Barbabella also advised weight loss, dietary changes, more exercise and a lower aspirin intake. Despite those recommendations, he described Trump as being in excellent health and fit to perform his duties.
Trump describes rejecting advice
At a rally in Ohio last week, Trump said he takes a daily aspirin and described refusing doctors’ advice about his dose. He said he had been taking it for 35 years and asked to be left alone.
The article also recalls Trump’s former physician, Harold Bornstein, who said in a 2018 CNN interview that Trump dictated a letter about his health. Bornstein died in 2021.
Key points
- The Wall Street Journal report says Trump’s physician must remain within three minutes of him.
- Barbabella’s public reports have praised Trump’s health while recommending several lifestyle changes.
- Trump said he rejected doctors’ advice about his daily aspirin dose.
- Former physician Harold Bornstein said Trump dictated a health letter in 2018.