Donald Trump sparks new health fears as he reveals unusual drug habit

Donald Trump has once again put the spotlight on his own health this time by openly admitting that he ignores his doctors’ advice and takes a much higher daily dose of aspirin than medical guidelines recommend.

In a wide-ranging interview with The Wall Street Journal, the 79-year-old US president said he has taken 325mg of aspirin every day for roughly 25 years, despite doctors repeatedly urging him to switch to a lower dose. Trump insisted the habit keeps his blood “nice and thin” to protect his heart, adding that he is “a little superstitious” about changing something he believes has worked for him.

Trump, now the oldest person ever inaugurated as US president, appeared irritated by ongoing questions about his fitness for office, opening the call by complaining about having to discuss his health yet again. He flatly declared: “My health is perfect.” Still, he acknowledged that the higher aspirin dose causes frequent bruising, which he often conceals with makeup during public appearances.

His physician, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, confirmed that Trump takes 325mg of aspirin daily for what he described as “cardiac prevention” and said recent tests showed no abnormalities. However, Trump’s personal regimen clashes with the consensus of major US medical organizations.

Current guidance from the US Preventive Services Task Force advises against starting aspirin for primary heart-disease prevention in adults aged 60 and over, citing higher risks of internal bleeding that outweigh potential benefits. The American Heart Association similarly recommends low-dose aspirin typically 75 to 100mg mainly for people who have already had a heart attack or stroke, not as a routine measure for otherwise healthy seniors. Institutions such as the Mayo Clinic also warn that bleeding risks increase significantly with age and with higher doses.

During the interview, Trump also walked back earlier claims about an October hospital visit, clarifying that he underwent a CT scan at Walter Reed rather than an MRI. He admitted that the confusion fueled speculation, saying in hindsight that the scan “gave them a little ammunition.”

Addressing his chronic venous insufficiency a condition diagnosed last year that causes leg swelling Trump said he refused to wear compression socks because he disliked them, opting instead to stand more often while working. On physical activity, he was blunt: he finds exercise boring and prefers golf over treadmills or running. He also dismissed concerns about appearing drowsy in public, saying he sometimes closes his eyes because it feels relaxing or because photos catch him mid-blink.

The health disclosures, published on January 1, 2026, come after months of public debate over Trump’s bruising, swollen legs, and apparent fatigue echoing age-related concerns that played a major role in Joe Biden’s decision to step aside during the 2024 campaign.

Critics argue that Trump’s willingness to disregard medical advice on aspirin use raises legitimate questions about judgment and risk, especially for a leader nearing 80. Supporters counter that he is simply being proactive about his health. With no major updates to national guidelines in 2025 or 2026, medical experts continue to urge caution, warning that high-dose aspirin in people over 70 increases the likelihood of gastrointestinal bleeding and hemorrhagic stroke.

Whether framed as stubbornness or misplaced confidence, Trump’s own words have ensured that questions about his health and his decision-making are unlikely to fade anytime soon.