Trump’s Health and Aspirin Use: A Closer Glance

As Donald Trump campaigns for a second term, questions about his health have resurfaced, particularly regarding his reported use of aspirin and visible bruising. The former president, who will be 80 years aged in June, has addressed these concerns, attributing the bruising to a higher-than-recommended dosage of aspirin he takes for cardiovascular health. This article examines the details of Trump’s health disclosures, the medical context of his aspirin use and the assessments provided by his medical team.

Aspirin Dosage and Bruising

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, President Trump revealed he takes a higher dose of aspirin than his doctors recommend, believing it helps maintain “thin blood” and prevent heart issues. “They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart,” Trump stated. He acknowledged that this higher dosage, which he has reportedly maintained for years, causes bruising. Source

CNN reported that Trump has had bruising on his right hand prior to his return to the White House, which has drawn increased attention as he has attempted to conceal it with makeup and bandages. Source

Medical Assessments and Recommendations

Trump’s physician has stated that the president takes 325 milligrams of aspirin daily for “cardiac prevention.” Source This is a significantly higher dose than the typical low-dose aspirin (81 milligrams) often recommended for cardiovascular health.

FactCheck.org notes that low-dose aspirin is generally recommended for individuals who have already experienced a cardiovascular event, but is not typically advised for preventing a first heart attack or stroke, and high-dose aspirin is not recommended either. Source

The White House has stated that bruising observed on Trump’s hand in February 2025 was the result of handshaking. Source

Recent Checkups and Imaging

Trump underwent annual physical exams in April 2025 and a “routine yearly checkup” in October 2025, which included an MRI. Source His physician, Dr. Barbabella, later clarified that the imaging was actually a CT scan of Trump’s cardiovascular system and abdomen, and reported that all imaging was “perfectly normal.” Source

Ongoing Scrutiny

The disclosures regarding Trump’s health have intensified scrutiny over his age, fitness for office, and transparency with medical information. The interview with the Wall Street Journal was described as one of the most extensive conversations Trump has had with journalists regarding his health. Source