In a revealing interview with The Wall Street Journal published Thursday, former President Donald Trump addressed mounting questions about his physical condition while defending his overall health. The 79-year-old, who holds the record as the oldest individual to assume the U.S. presidency, attributed significant bruising on his right hand to daily aspirin consumption rather than any underlying medical condition.
Trump presented a defiant stance regarding his well-being, stating ‘my health is perfect’ while expressing visible frustration with the persistent public scrutiny. The Republican leader, known for cultivating an image of vitality through constant media engagement and social media activity, offered specific explanations for physical manifestations that have drawn attention during his second term.
Regarding the noticeable bruising often concealed with makeup or bandages, Trump explained that aspirin serves as a blood-thinning agent, remarking ‘I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart.’ He attributed one particular cut to an enthusiastic high-five with former Attorney General Pam Bondi, whose ring allegedly made contact with his hand.
The interview also revealed a correction to Trump’s previous medical statements. While he had told reporters in October about undergoing an MRI scan, he clarified to the Journal that the procedure was actually a less comprehensive CT scan. His physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, confirmed the CT scan was administered to ‘definitively rule out any cardiovascular issues.’
Trump additionally addressed observations about his apparent drowsiness during public events, including a notable November Oval Office meeting with health representatives. Dismissing claims that he falls asleep during engagements, Trump asserted ‘I’ve never been a big sleeper,’ characterizing moments where he closes his eyes as intentional relaxation rather than fatigue. He attributed photographs suggesting sleep to being captured mid-blink, stating ‘Sometimes they’ll take a picture of me blinking, blinking, and they’ll catch me with the blink.’
The former president’s health has become increasingly politically significant as he continues to frame his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden—who left office at 82 as the oldest president in history—as ‘sleepy’ while facing similar age-related scrutiny himself.