In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, former President Donald Trump revealed that he takes a higher dosage of aspirin than recommended by his doctors, attributing this choice to the visible bruising on his hands. The 79-year-old Trump stated, "They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart. I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?" This statement has sparked renewed scrutiny regarding his overall health and fitness for office.
The interview marks one of the most extensive discussions Trump has had regarding his health, particularly as questions around his age and transparency about his medical history have intensified this year. Trump has had noticeable bruising on his right hand, a condition that CNN reported predated his return to the White House. However, the issue gained more attention when he began covering the bruises with makeup and bandages, often using his other hand to shield them from cameras.
In addition to the hand bruising, observers have raised concerns about swelling in Trump’s legs and instances where he appeared to doze off during public events. Trump's physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, confirmed to the Journal that Trump takes 325 milligrams of aspirin daily, which is higher than the typical low dose recommended by medical guidelines. The Mayo Clinic suggests a daily low dose of aspirin typically ranges from 75 to 100 milligrams, with 81 milligrams being the most common recommendation.
Aspirin is known for its blood-thinning properties, which can prevent clot formation. However, it also carries risks, particularly of excessive bleeding. In recent years, medical guidelines have shifted away from recommending daily aspirin for many adults, especially those in their 70s, due to the potential for more harm than benefit. Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a cardiologist and professor at George Washington University, noted that the level of bruising observed is unusual for someone taking only one aspirin a day. He further questioned whether Trump might be taking undisclosed medications.
Dr. Barbabella defended Trump's health, stating, "President Trump’s medical evaluations and laboratory results continue to show excellent metabolic health, and have revealed his cardiovascular health puts him 14 years younger than his age." He emphasized that Trump remains in exceptional health and is fully capable of executing his duties as Commander in Chief.
Recently, Trump appeared in public with light bruising on both hands, drawing additional scrutiny. The White House has previously attributed the bruising on Trump's right hand to frequent handshaking, combined with his aspirin regimen. Dr. Reiner acknowledged that while 325 milligrams of aspirin is not extremely high, there is no medical justification for taking that amount daily. He explained that the commonly prescribed dose of 81 milligrams provides optimal protection against clotting without increasing bleeding risks.
In the interview, Trump also clarified a recent medical scan he underwent, initially described as an MRI. He corrected this to say it was a CT scan, which was performed to rule out cardiovascular issues. Barbabella confirmed that both the cardiovascular and abdominal scans showed "perfectly normal" results. However, past medical evaluations have indicated some abnormalities, including a build-up of plaque in his blood vessels, which is indicative of moderate heart disease.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration's transparency regarding Trump's health, asserting that the President's physicians have been open about the advanced imaging tests conducted. She claimed that Trump is the most transparent president in history, emphasizing that he has nothing to hide.
Trump also addressed other health concerns, such as the swelling in his lower legs, which was previously attributed to chronic venous insufficiency, a common issue in older adults. He mentioned trying compression socks but found them uncomfortable and expressed disinterest in regular exercise, stating, "I just don’t like it. It’s boring."
The interview further touched on Trump's appearance at public events where he seemed to close his eyes or struggle to stay awake. Trump dismissed these observations, claiming he was simply relaxing and not actually falling asleep. He downplayed concerns regarding his hearing, noting he only struggles to hear in noisy environments.
Throughout his presidency, Trump has questioned the fitness of his predecessor, Joe Biden, highlighting remarks about Biden's awareness of actions signed in his name. Biden, who has faced health scrutiny of his own, withdrew from the 2024 race following a challenging debate performance, fueling ongoing discussions about the health and capabilities of leaders in their 70s.
This article has been updated with additional information surrounding Trump's health and his recent comments regarding his aspirin use.