President Donald Trump, 79, told The Wall Street Journal that he takes a higher dose of aspirin than his doctors advise, citing concerns about maintaining “thin blood” to protect his heart. The interview offered one of the most extensive public discussions of his health, amid growing scrutiny over his age, visible bruising, and overall fitness for office. Trump attributed the discoloration on his hands to his aspirin regimen, which he said he has followed for years, acknowledging that it causes bruising but arguing that the benefit of preventing blood clots outweighs the cosmetic effect.
Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, confirmed that the president takes 325 milligrams of aspirin daily, a dose above what is commonly recommended for heart health. According to the Mayo Clinic, low-dose aspirin therapy typically ranges from 75 to 100 milligrams daily, with 81 milligrams most often prescribed. Medical experts note that higher doses can increase the risk of excessive bleeding without added cardiovascular benefit. Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a cardiologist and professor at George Washington University, said the bruising raises questions about undisclosed medications and transparency in White House disclosures.
In the interview, Trump also clarified that a medical scan he underwent in October was a CT scan, not an MRI as he had previously mentioned. The scan, performed to rule out cardiovascular issues, reportedly showed “perfectly normal” results. This follows earlier imaging in 2018, which indicated moderate plaque buildup in his blood vessels. White House officials emphasized that Trump has received advanced imaging and remains in “exceptional health,” with cardiovascular evaluations suggesting he has the heart of someone 14 years younger than his chronological age.
Trump addressed other health topics, including swelling in his lower legs caused by chronic venous insufficiency, a condition common in older adults. He said he tried compression socks but did not like wearing them and expressed disinterest in regular exercise, calling it “boring.” He defended recent appearances in which he appeared to close his eyes at public events, explaining that he was simply relaxing, and downplayed concerns about his hearing, saying issues arise only in noisy environments.
Experts emphasize that transparency about medications, scans, and overall health is critical for any sitting president, particularly one of advanced age. Reiner noted that while Trump’s aspirin dose is not exceptionally high, it is above standard recommendations, and the associated bruising highlights the importance of clear medical disclosure. Critics argue that opaque communication around health matters can fuel speculation and concern about a leader’s ability to execute the demanding responsibilities of office.
Trump also contrasted his own health transparency with that of his predecessor, criticizing former President Joe Biden for perceived lapses, while defending the White House’s disclosure of his own medical evaluations. As the oldest president in history to serve a term, Trump’s physical condition, treatment choices, and public presentation of his health continue to draw attention, particularly as Americans and observers weigh the demands of the presidency against the realities of age, medications, and lifestyle choices.
