President Donald Trump has reiterated his commitment to a daily aspirin regimen. Speaking to reporters, he mentioned he takes aspirin each day, despite being uncertain of its benefits. Trump remarked, “I take an aspirin a day. I don’t know if it works, but psychologically, I need it.” He added, “I’ve been doing it for a long time, and here I am,” highlighting its long-standing role in his routine.
Trump’s Aspirin Remarks
Over the past year, Trump, who is 80, has frequently mentioned his aspirin use. In interviews with The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), both he and his physicians disclosed that he takes a 325-milligram dose daily. This is notable since it exceeds the 81-milligram dose often advised for heart patients.
In a January discussion with the WSJ, Trump said, “They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart.” He admitted doctors recommend a lower dose but cited superstition and habit, having taken the larger dose for around 25 years.
Trump has acknowledged that aspirin use leads to visible bruising on his hands, which he covers with makeup, stating, “I have makeup that’s, you know, easy to put on, takes about 10 seconds.”
White House Medical Insights
Dr. Sean Barbabella, Trump’s physician, confirmed to the WSJ that Trump takes 325 milligrams of aspirin as part of “cardiac prevention.” The White House has pointed to aspirin use when addressing visible bruising on Trump’s hands, attributing it to frequent handshakes and his cardiovascular regimen.
Dr. Barbabella maintains that Trump’s health is robust. Reports quote him stating that Trump’s medical evaluations show “excellent metabolic health,” with cardiovascular fitness being notably younger than his chronological age.
Expert Views on Daily Aspirin
Aspirin helps by thinning the blood, impeding blood platelets from forming clots. While this can prevent heart issues for some, it can also heighten bleeding risks for others.
Recent medical guidelines advise against daily aspirin for older adults without prior cardiovascular disease. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force cautions against using daily aspirin purely for prevention of a first heart event in those 60 and older, due to bleeding risks.
The Mayo Clinic echoes this by suggesting that daily aspirin is not universally suitable. They highlight serious potential side effects, such as gastrointestinal bleeding. While benefits are clear for those with previous heart events, the debate continues for first-time prevention candidates.
Public Health Implications
Trump’s statements on aspirin add to ongoing scrutiny of his health, especially given his age and as the oldest inaugurated U.S. president. His comments remind many that aspirin is not a universal preventive treatment. Aspirin use should be tailored to a person’s health history, cardiovascular risk, and potential bleeding threats.
Newsweek contacted the White House for additional remarks.
This story was enhanced by Martyn, Newsweek’s AI assistant. Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Tobias Meyjes and Cristina Diciu.