Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jan 2: US President Donald Trump has pushed back strongly against growing speculation over his health, dismissing claims that he has been falling asleep during meetings and insisting that he remains in “perfect” condition to lead the country.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal published on Thursday, the 79-year-old president attributed visible bruises on his hands to his long-term use of high-dose aspirin, taken as a preventive measure for heart health. Trump said he takes a higher dose than recommended by his doctors, claiming it helps keep his blood thin.
“They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart,” Trump said, explaining that the medication causes bruising, which he often tries to cover with makeup.
Trump’s physician, Navy Captain Sean Barbabella, confirmed that the president takes 325 milligrams of aspirin daily for cardiac prevention. Aspirin acts as a blood thinner, reducing the risk of clots that can lead to heart attacks, though it also increases the risk of bruising and bleeding.
The president, who became the oldest person ever sworn into office in January 2025, has faced persistent scrutiny over his age and physical stamina. Questions intensified after he appeared to nod off during meetings and after the White House revealed last year that he had undergone advanced imaging of his torso.
Reflecting on the scans, Trump told the Journal that he regretted undergoing the tests, as they fuelled speculation. “It gave them a little ammunition,” he said, adding that there was “nothing wrong.”
Barbabella later clarified that Trump underwent a CT scan at Walter Reed Medical Hospital in October as part of a routine physical examination, aimed at ruling out any cardiovascular issues. “The advanced imaging was perfectly normal and revealed absolutely no abnormalities,” the doctor said, asserting that Trump’s cardiovascular health is equivalent to that of someone 14 years younger.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also defended the administration’s transparency, stating that the president’s medical evaluations had always been disclosed. She added that Trump continues to be “the most transparent and open president in history” regarding his health.
The president’s physician also revealed that Trump has been diagnosed with superficial chronic venous insufficiency, which caused swelling in his lower legs earlier this year. Trump said he briefly wore compression socks to manage the condition but stopped because he disliked them.
Sensitive to comparisons with former president Joe Biden, whose visible decline affected his 2024 re-election bid, Trump expressed irritation at repeated questions about his health. “Let’s talk about health again for the 25th time,” he said. “My health is perfect.”
At the same time, Trump acknowledged that he has asked aides to limit his schedule so he can focus on key meetings. According to the Journal, he typically begins his day in the Oval Office around 10 am and works until late evening.
An avid golfer, Trump also reiterated that he does not engage in formal exercise beyond time spent on the golf course. “I just don’t like it. It’s boring,” he said, dismissing treadmill workouts.
Addressing instances where he has appeared to fall asleep, including during a recent Cabinet meeting and earlier court proceedings, Trump maintained that he was merely resting his eyes and not dozing off.