In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, President Donald Trump addressed ongoing concerns regarding his health. The interview, published on Thursday, highlighted Trump's vigorous rebuttal to critics who have questioned his fitness for office. He firmly denied accusations of falling asleep during meetings and revealed that he takes a higher dose of aspirin than what is typically recommended by his doctors.
During the interview, Trump explained his decision to take 325 milligrams of aspirin daily for cardiac prevention. "They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart," he stated, attributing the visible bruises on his hands to the medication. He noted that these bruises are often concealed with makeup, emphasizing the medication's side effects. Trump's physician, Navy Captain Sean Barbabella, confirmed in a statement that this dosage is intended to prevent blood clots that could lead to serious cardiovascular issues, such as heart attacks.
The President's health has come under scrutiny following reports that he underwent advanced imaging of his torso, which heightened speculation about his health status. Trump remarked, "In retrospect, it’s too bad I took it because it gave them a little ammunition." He explained that a CT scan was performed to "definitively rule out any cardiovascular issues," and Barbabella reassured the public that no abnormalities were found. However, he did mention that Trump has been diagnosed with superficial chronic venous insufficiency, which previously caused swelling in his lower legs. Although Trump initially wore compression socks to manage this condition, he chose to stop using them, stating, "I didn’t like them."
Trump's sensitivity to discussions regarding his age and health is likely influenced by the experiences of his predecessor, President Joe Biden. Throughout the 2024 presidential election, Biden faced criticism over visible signs of decline, which ultimately affected his campaign. Following a challenging debate performance against Trump, Biden opted to withdraw from the race while continuing his presidency. As Trump heads into the next election cycle, he is determined to dispel any notion that age is impacting his ability to lead.
In the interview, Trump revealed that he has adjusted his schedule to focus on critical meetings, similar to Biden's strategy during his campaign. The President typically begins his day in the Oval Office around 10 a.m. and works until 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. While he is known for his love of golf, Trump admitted that he does not engage in any other form of exercise, finding traditional workouts like running or using a treadmill tedious. "I just don’t like it. It’s boring," he stated, emphasizing his preference for activities he enjoys.
Despite several instances of appearing to doze off during public gatherings, Trump insists that he is simply resting his eyes. He recounted an incident during a recent Cabinet meeting, claiming that photos capturing him blinking were misinterpreted. "I’ll just close. It’s very relaxing to me,” he explained, attempting to dispel the narrative that his health is declining.
As President Trump continues to navigate the complexities of public perception regarding his health, he remains adamant about his overall wellness, stating, “My health is perfect.” His ongoing efforts to clarify his health status indicate a keen awareness of the political implications tied to age and fitness in leadership.