Trump confirms daily high-dose Aspirin use against doctors’ advice
WASHINGTON: United States president Donald Trump has confirmed that he has been taking a daily 325 mg dose of aspirin for more than 25 years, despite repeated medical advice to lower the dosage. The disclosure was made during an interview with Wall Street Journal, where Trump discussed his approach to personal health as he prepares for a second non-consecutive term in office.
Why Trump says he takes aspirin daily
Trump explained that his decision is rooted in a personal belief that aspirin helps maintain healthy blood flow.
“They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood,” he said, adding that he prefers to keep his blood “thin” to support cardiovascular function.
Medical professionals commonly prescribe aspirin for select patients at risk of heart attack or stroke, but typically at much lower doses, often around 81 mg per day.
What medical guidelines say
According to guidance referenced by the Mayo Clinic, higher aspirin doses significantly increase the risk of side effects, particularly in older adults. These risks include gastrointestinal bleeding and, in rare cases, bleeding in the brain.
Trump acknowledged that his physicians have repeatedly advised him to reduce the dosage, noting that the current regimen causes him to bruise more easily, a known side effect of long-term aspirin use.
Age, prevention, and medical monitoring
Trump, who will be 82 years old by the end of his second term, has stated that he relies on what he describes as “good genetics” and regular medical monitoring. He has previously undergone cardiovascular and abdominal imaging at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, though he later said he regretted undergoing extensive scans due to the public scrutiny they generated.
He has emphasized that no major health condition was identified during those evaluations.
A broader conversation on aging, medication
Trump’s disclosure has reignited discussion around preventive medication use in older adults, particularly the balance between cardiovascular benefit and bleeding risk. In recent years, medical guidelines have become more cautious about routine aspirin use for primary prevention, especially in patients without established heart disease.
Healthcare experts generally stress that aspirin therapy should be individualized, based on personal risk factors and under direct medical supervision.
Transparency, public health relevance
While presidential health remains a subject of public interest, Trump’s comments provide a rare, direct insight into how a long-term medication decision can diverge from evolving medical guidance. For clinicians and patients alike, the episode highlights the importance of regular medication review, especially as age-related risks change over time.
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