Trump says he’s taking more aspirin than doctors advise and explains why

By comparison, the Mayo Clinic says a “low-dose” aspirin regimen, most commonly 81 milligrams, is typically recommended for older adults when advised by a doctor, the Journal reported.

Why aspirin has become part of the conversation

Daily aspirin use can reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke for some people over 60, but medical experts also warn that higher doses can raise the risk of bleeding and should be used only under medical supervision, according to the Journal’s account.

Trump’s comments come at a time when his health has drawn increased attention, after visible bruising on his hands, reports of brain imaging, and instances where he appeared to close his eyes during public events, the Wall Street Journal said.

The White House’s explanation and the scan details

The White House has said the bruising was the result of Trump shaking large numbers of hands, according to the Wall Street Journal. It has also described the imaging as preventive.

The Journal reported that earlier accounts suggested Trump underwent an MRI in October, but Trump and Barbabella told the newspaper the president instead received a CT scan.

Barbabella told the Journal that doctors initially considered either an MRI or a CT scan, but chose the CT scan “to definitively rule out any cardiovascular issues.” The scan revealed no abnormalities, he said.

Why this matters politically

At 79, Trump is the second-oldest person to serve as US president, after his predecessor Joe Biden, who left office at 82 after dropping his 2024 re-election bid amid questions about his fitness, the Wall Street Journal noted.