Image Credentials: Image Title: “I’m Superstitious”: Trump Defends High Aspirin Dose and Health Routine in WSJ Interview Source: (sora.openai) Date: January 2026. Attribution: This image was created using AI-generated imagery (sora.openai) and does not depict a real-world scene.
By Open Chronicle News Desk | January 2, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In an expansive and at times defiant interview regarding his physical well-being, President Donald Trump declared himself to be in “perfect” health while revealing a series of unconventional medical habits, including the self-prescribed use of high-dose aspirin and the use of makeup to conceal bruising.
The 79-year-old Commander in Chief, the oldest person ever inaugurated to the U.S. presidency, sat down with The Wall Street Journal to address mounting public debate over his age and stamina as he navigates his second term in 2026.
The Aspirin Protocol
Perhaps the most striking revelation was Trump’s admission that he has ignored medical advice regarding his daily heart health regimen for a quarter-century.
The President confirmed he takes 325mg of aspirin daily, a significantly higher dose than the 81mg “baby aspirin” typically recommended by physicians for long-term cardiovascular maintenance in seniors.
“They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart,” Trump told the Journal. “They’d rather have me take the smaller one… but I’m a little superstitious.”
Despite acknowledging that the high dosage causes him to bruise easily, a condition exacerbated by his diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, the President refused to switch routines, citing his long-standing habit.
Scans and “Relaxing” Moments
The interview also served to clarify a discrepancy regarding a recent medical visit to Walter Reed National Medical Center. While Trump previously told reporters he had undergone a “detailed MRI,” he admitted to the Journal that it was actually a CT scan.
Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, the President’s physician, released a statement clarifying that the CT scan was performed “to definitively rule out any cardiovascular issues” and revealed no abnormalities. Barbabella maintained that Trump remains in “exceptional health” and is “perfectly suited” for his duties.
Addressing viral images and videos that appeared to show him nodding off during high-level meetings, the President offered a different explanation:
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The “Blink” Defense: Trump claimed photographers often catch him in the middle of a blink and mischaracterize it as sleep.
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Strategic Relaxation: He noted that he occasionally closes his eyes because he finds the practice “relaxing,” rather than a sign of fatigue.
Exercise and “Hand Whacking”
Trump’s aversion to traditional fitness remains unchanged. Aside from golfing, the President confirmed he eschews all forms of regular exercise. “To walk on a treadmill or run on a treadmill for hours and hours as some people do, that’s not for me,” he said, calling the activity “boring.”
To manage the swelling in his legs associated with his venous condition, Trump declined the use of doctor-recommended compression socks. Instead, he claimed he now stands up from his desk more frequently to improve circulation.
As for the dark bruising frequently spotted on the back of his hands, a common side effect of high-dose aspirin, the President revealed he now carries specialized makeup to cover the marks if his hand gets “whacked.” He claimed the application is “easy” and takes only “about 10 seconds.”
Health Summary: Trump at 79
| Feature | Reported Habit / Condition | Medical Recommendation |
| Daily Aspirin | 325 mg (Self-prescribed) | 81 mg (Typical for seniors) |
| Cardiology | Recent CT Scan (Clear) | Annual wellness checks |
| Vascular Health | Chronic Venous Insufficiency | Compression socks (Declined) |
| Exercise | Golf only | Regular cardiovascular activity |
| Stamina | “Blinking” or “Relaxing” | Consistent sleep schedule |
Despite the visual signs of aging and the unorthodox nature of his self-care, the President remains dismissive of his critics. “Let’s talk about health again for the 25th time,” he quipped, expressing irritation at the scrutiny that has become a hallmark of his historic second term.