From Woodrow Wilson’s Secret Stroke to Trump’s Mystery Bruises—Why America Deserves the Truth About Its Leaders’ Fitness to Lead

Prologue: A Presidential Health Crisis in Plain Sight

On February 24, 2025, as cameras captured President Donald Trump greeting French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House, a visible bruise on the back of Trump’s right hand drew public attention. This was not an isolated incident; similar bruises had been observed in August, November, and December of 2024, each time sparking speculation about their cause.

The White House’s official explanation attributed the bruises to Trump’s frequent handshaking. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “President Trump has bruises on his hand because he’s constantly working and shaking hands all day every day.” Trump himself dismissed concerns, attributing the marks to his vigorous schedule.

However, the issue extends beyond these bruises. It highlights a broader pattern of medical opacity surrounding the presidency—a constitutional blind spot that allows leaders to withhold critical health information, even when their fitness to govern could impact national security.

I. The Ghosts of Presidents Past: A History of Executive Branch Deception

Presidential health cover-ups are deeply rooted in American history:

• Grover Cleveland (1893): Secretly underwent cancer surgery on a yacht; the public remained unaware for 24 years.
• Woodrow Wilson (1919): Suffered a debilitating stroke; for 17 months, his wife Edith effectively managed presidential duties while concealing his condition.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt (1930s-40s): The severity of his disability and declining health, including hypertension and heart disease, was minimized to maintain public confidence.
• John F. Kennedy (1960s): The public was unaware of his reliance on a regimen of steroids, amphetamines, and painkillers amidst Cold War tensions.
• Ronald Reagan (1980s): Exhibited signs of cognitive decline while in office; his Alzheimer’s diagnosis was disclosed five years post-presidency.

Historically, the U.S. has operated on an honor system, expecting but not requiring presidents to disclose medical conditions. This system has often prioritized personal and political interests over the public’s right to be informed.

II. The Trump Paradox: Vigorous Handshakes, Vague Records

Donald Trump’s approach to medical transparency has been notably opaque:

• 2016: His physician, Dr. Harold Bornstein, released a laudatory letter, later revealed to have been dictated by Trump himself.
• 2018: White House physician Dr. Ronny Jackson proclaimed Trump in excellent health, suggesting he “might live to 200 years old.”
• 2019: Trump made an unannounced visit to Walter Reed Medical Center, described ambiguously as “phase one” of his annual physical.
• 2023: A brief medical report by Dr. Bruce Aronwald, lacking specific data, declared Trump in “excellent” health.
• 2024: Despite promises, Trump has yet to release comprehensive medical records.

In contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris released a detailed 12-page health report in 2024, and President Joe Biden’s 2021 disclosure included comprehensive medical evaluations. The absence of mandatory disclosure laws enables such inconsistencies.

III. The Assassination Attempt: A Case Study in Opacity

The July 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump sustained a gunshot wound to the ear, exemplifies the administration’s information control. Updates were provided by Rep. Ronny Jackson, a former physician turned politician, with no direct involvement in Trump’s medical care. The White House cited “security concerns” to justify withholding specific medical details, leaving the public uninformed about potential implications for presidential capacity.

IV. The Bruising Issue: A Small Symptom of a Bigger Problem

The recurring bruises on Trump’s hand underscore the need for medical transparency. While the administration attributes these to frequent handshaking, medical experts suggest alternative explanations, such as age-related skin changes or medical interventions like IV insertions. Without access to comprehensive medical records, the public is left to speculate, undermining trust in leadership.

V. Fixing the System: A Blueprint for Transparency

To address this systemic issue, several reforms should be considered:

1. Create an Independent Presidential Health Commission

Establish a non-partisan body to conduct annual medical evaluations, ensuring assessments are free from political influence.

2. Mandatory Medical Disclosure Laws

Enact legislation requiring presidential candidates and sitting presidents to release comprehensive medical reports, including neurological and cognitive assessments, cardiovascular health data, medication lists, and records of recent hospitalizations.

3. 25th Amendment Reforms

Clarify procedures for temporary transfer of power due to health incapacitation, ensuring continuity of governance.

4. Presidential Records Act Reform

Mandate that medical records become public five years after a president leaves office, balancing privacy with historical accountability.

Epilogue: Sunlight Is the Best Disinfectant

The persistent secrecy surrounding presidential health is a disservice to the American public. In an era where transparency is demanded in all sectors, the health of our nation’s leader should be no exception. Implementing these reforms would strengthen democracy and ensure that those at the helm are fit to lead.