US President Donald Trump says he is in “perfect” health, takes more aspirin than doctors recommend, uses makeup to cover bruises on his hands, and avoids regular exercise because he finds it “boring.”
In a wide-ranging interview about his health, Trump told the Wall Street Journal that he had a CT scan in October, correcting an earlier claim that it had been a more detailed MRI scan.
At 79, Trump is the oldest president ever inaugurated in US history, and his age has drawn increased public attention. He denied to the Journal that he struggles with hearing or that he has fallen asleep during recent White House events.
The newspaper reported that Trump “expressed irritation about the public debate over his health.”
“Let’s talk about health again for the 25th time,” he said during an impromptu phone call as the story was being prepared for publication.
Trump revealed he has been taking higher-than-recommended doses of aspirin for the last 25 years, despite noting it makes him bruise more easily.
“They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart,” he said. He takes 325mg daily, instead of the 81mg often recommended by doctors, explaining that he prefers not to change a routine he’s followed for decades. “I’m a little superstitious,” he added.
According to the Mayo Clinic, low-dose aspirin can help prevent heart attacks and strokes in older adults by thinning the blood, but the risk of bleeding also rises with age. Recommended daily doses range from 75mg to 325mg.
Trump also clarified details about the medical scan he received at Walter Reed National Medical Center. “It wasn’t an MRI,” he told the Journal. “It was less than that. It was a scan.” Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, a doctor for Trump, confirmed in a statement that the CT scan ruled out any cardiovascular issues and showed no abnormalities.
After being diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition in older adults, Trump said he was advised to wear compression socks but chose not to. “I didn’t like them,” he said, adding that he now gets up from his desk more often, which has helped reduce swelling in his legs.
Trump said he avoids regular exercise except for golfing. “I just don’t like it. It’s boring,” he explained. “Walking or running on a treadmill for hours like some people do — that’s not for me.”
Regarding photos showing bruising on his hands, Trump said he keeps makeup on hand to cover any marks. “It’s easy to put on, takes about 10 seconds,” he said.
He also denied any hearing problems and said that when photographers capture him apparently sleeping, he is often just blinking.
Barbabella told the Journal that Trump is in “exceptional health and perfectly suited to execute his duties as Commander in Chief.”
Trump’s predecessor, Democratic President Joe Biden, dropped out of the 2024 election race after a debate with Trump raised questions about age and mental sharpness.
