US President Donald Trump (File Photo)

WASHINGTON: A sudden, unscheduled trip by US President Donald Trump to a military hospital for what the White House said was part of a routine annual physical exam sparked off a wave of speculation, memes, and conspiracy theories, underscoring the toxic political atmosphere in Washington DC.

The factual part of the event was that President Trump headed out to the Walter Reed National Medical Center on Saturday morning for a visit that was not on his daily schedule.

White House Press Secretary Press secretary Stephanie Grisham said later that the 73-year-old president was “anticipating a very busy 2020” and wanted to take advantage of “a free weekend” to begin portions of his routine checkup.

She did not elaborate what tests he received or explain why the visit had not been disclosed in advance or why the physical exam, which is usually done in one visit, was split into parts. The President’s 2018 and 2019 physicals were announced ahead of time and the next one was not due till early 2020.

The unscheduled visit sparked off speculation, innuendo, and the inevitable memes on social media, with some of his critics losing no opportunity to ridicule a President who is not popular outside of the American heartland.

“Being reported that Trump is being treated for chest pains. They’re certain it’s not his heart after discovering he doesn’t have one,” gibed one tweet. Another asked, “So, how come the HEALTHIEST CANDIDATE ALIVE with THE GREATEST STAMINA EVER needed emergency hush-hush treatment at #WalterReedhospital? Surely this isn't just some stupid way to plant the seed for a health-related resignation in the near future...?"

But the White House said 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.”

It also disclosed that Trump spent time at the hospital meeting with the family of a special forces soldier injured in Afghanistan and engaged the medical staff “to share his thanks for all the outstanding care they provide to our Wounded Warriors, and wish them an early happy Thanksgiving.”

Trump’s last checkup in February 2019 showed he had gained seven pounds in office. At 243 pounds and 6 feet, 3 inches tall, he is over the threshold for being considered obese – joining the ranks of 40 per cent of American - with a Body Mass Index of 30.4.

But his principal physician said after the physical that Trump “is in very good health and I anticipate he will remain so for the duration of his Presidency, and beyond.”

Trump is the oldest candidate to be elected US President in and consequently he will be even older if he is re-elected. Beyond the physical examination, there has also been plenty commentary on his mental and cognitive abilities.

A recent essay in the Atlantic magazine pointed out that the four top White House contenders in 2020 - Elizabeth Warren, Donald Trump, Joe Biden , and Bernie Sanders - will be 70, 73, 76, and 78 respectively, and argued that there ought to be a “validated, transparent assessment” of cognitive ability for those holding high office.

