Overview
- Trump, 79, told The Wall Street Journal he takes 325 milligrams of aspirin daily, higher than his doctors advise, and he attributed his visible hand bruises to the medication.
- White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella confirmed the 325 mg regimen for cardiac prevention and said Trump’s October imaging was a CT scan conducted to rule out cardiovascular issues, with normal findings.
- Barbabella also cited a diagnosis of superficial chronic venous insufficiency to explain earlier lower-leg swelling; Trump said he tried compression socks but stopped and showed little interest in regular exercise.
- The White House has maintained that frequent handshaking along with aspirin use contributes to the bruising, while medical commentators said such bruising is common in older adults and called for greater transparency.
- Trump said he sometimes covers his hands with makeup or bandages, denied dozing off during public events, and insisted his health is “perfect.”