President Donald Trump said he takes a daily dose of full-strength aspirin despite his doctors recommending a lower amount, while also clarifying details about a recent medical scan that drew public attention.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal published this week, Trump said he routinely takes a 325-milligram aspirin — the standard adult dose — rather than the low-dose version commonly advised for long-term cardiovascular prevention. Physicians often recommend an 81-milligram aspirin for older adults when it is medically appropriate, citing a lower risk of bleeding.
Trump said his doctors have encouraged him to reduce the dosage, but that he has continued taking the higher amount by choice. He attributed visible bruising on his hands to the aspirin use, acknowledging it as a known side effect that he had been warned about.
The president, 79, also addressed confusion surrounding advanced medical imaging he underwent in October at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Trump said the test was a CT scan, not an MRI, correcting his earlier public description.
“I got an MRI. It was perfect,” Trump said at the time. “I mean, I gave you the full results. We had an MRI and the machine, you know, the whole thing, and it was perfect.”
“It wasn’t an MRI,” Trump told the Journal. “It was less than that. It was a scan.”
According to Trump and his physician, the scan was performed as a preventive measure and showed no concerning findings. The imaging focused on cardiovascular health, and his doctor said the results were normal.
Trump said he regretted discussing the test publicly, saying it led to unnecessary speculation about his health. He emphasized that the scan was routine and not prompted by symptoms or an emergency.
Questions about Trump’s health have followed him throughout his political career, particularly given his age as he campaigned for a return to the White House. He has repeatedly described himself as being in good physical condition and capable of handling the demands of the presidency.
The president said he remains confident in his overall health and dismissed concerns raised by his aspirin use or the medical imaging, calling both matters overblown.
