President Donald Trump has shared new details about his health, addressing questions about bruises, sleep, and cognitive performance. The disclosures follow public scrutiny of the oldest U.S. president in office and renewed debates about his fitness.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Trump explained that visible bruises on his hands result from taking a high daily dose of aspirin—more than typically recommended. He said the medication helps maintain “nice, thin blood” through his heart and dismissed concerns about his energy and physical condition.
Trump also posted on Truth Social, claiming he had “aced his third straight” cognitive test, continuing a long-standing focus on mental fitness. However, experts note that such claims raise questions rather than settle them.
Dr. Sean Barbabella, Trump’s physician and a Navy captain named to the role in March 2025, oversees his care. Barbabella previously specialized in combat trauma and emergency medicine. He has defended Trump’s semiannual physicals and advanced medical imaging as standard care.
Trump’s current medical team follows a line of White House physicians. Dr. Ronny Jackson, former presidential physician for Barack Obama, oversaw Trump early in his first term. Jackson praised Trump’s health before leaving the White House in 2018 amid controversies. He is now a Republican congressman from Texas. Dr. Sean Conley, who treated Trump during the COVID-19 pandemic, also endorsed his good health. Trump’s longtime New York personal doctor, Dr. Harold Bornstein, previously described him as the “healthiest individual ever elected” president.
One major focus of recent disclosures is Trump’s aspirin regimen. He reportedly takes 325 milligrams daily, about four times the standard preventive dose of 81 milligrams recommended by many cardiologists. Experts caution that high-dose aspirin increases risks, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding. Some use it for heart disease or atrial fibrillation, but doctors say long-term high-dose use is generally not advised without strong medical reasons.
Trump also described undergoing “advanced imaging,” which he clarified as a CT scan, rather than the MRI he had previously mentioned. His physician, Barbabella, said the scan was normal and showed no cardiovascular abnormalities. Cardiologists explain that while CT scans can refine heart risk assessments, they do not guarantee heart safety.
Cognitive health remains a key area of public attention. Trump said he scored 100% on a recent test, though the exact assessment was not confirmed. In prior years, he took the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a brief screening tool for mild cognitive impairment. Medical experts note that while such tests can detect early signs of dementia, they do not measure intelligence, judgment, or decision-making skills.
Trump also shared personal details about his sleep, exercise, and diet. He reported getting little sleep, finding most exercise “boring,” and continuing to favor fast food such as McDonald’s burgers. Medical professionals warn that inadequate sleep can increase risks of heart problems, stroke, and other health issues.
Dr. Andrew Freeman, a cardiovascular specialist, noted that genetics are only one factor in health. Diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices play significant roles. Similarly, Dr. Vivek Cherian highlighted that high-dose aspirin, sleep deprivation, and diet could have long-term effects on cardiovascular health.
Despite these warnings, Barbabella emphasized Trump’s overall condition, stating that “medical evaluations and laboratory results continue to show excellent metabolic health” and that the president’s cardiovascular profile is equivalent to someone 14 years younger.
Trump’s disclosures aim to counter criticism and reassure the public about his ability to serve. Yet, medical experts argue that factors such as high-dose aspirin, limited sleep, and diet choices remain areas of concern, particularly for an aging president.
