In brief
In a candid interview, President Donald Trump addressed speculations about his health at age 79, declaring it 'perfect.' He mentioned his unconventional aspirin intake and admitted to using makeup to cover bruising. Trump also confirmed undergoing a CT scan, clarifying a previous misstatement about an MRI. Despite signs of ageing, he maintains he is fit to serve as president and dismissed claims of health issues as typical ageing concerns.
US President Donald Trump said in a lengthy interview about his health that he takes more aspirin than doctors recommend, uses makeup to cover bruising on his hands, and does not get regular exercise because he finds it boring.
Trump also told The Wall Street Journal that he underwent a CT scan in October, after incorrectly telling reporters that he had undergone a more detailed MRI scan.
Trump, 79, is the oldest president inaugurated in US history, and signs of age have been showing. He has at times appeared to fall asleep in meetings and not be able to hear questions.
The Journal reported Trump expressing irritation about the public debate over his health, which he described as perfect.
Let's talk about health again for the 25th time, he said at the start of an impromptu phone call as the newspaper prepared to publish a story about Trump's health.
My health is perfect, he added.
Trump mentioned taking larger than recommended doses of aspirin for the past 25 years, admitting it causes him to bruise easily. They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don't want thick blood pouring through my heart, he stated.
He currently takes 325mg of aspirin daily instead of the typically recommended 81mg dose, mentioning a reluctance to change his routine after so many years. I'm a little superstitious, he said.
The president also discussed the medical scan he received at Walter Reed National Medical Center, clarifying it was a CT scan rather than an MRI.
A doctor for Trump, Navy Capt Sean Barbaella, stated that the CT scan was conducted to rule out any cardiovascular issues, with results showing no abnormalities.
Despite being advised to wear compression socks after a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition in older adults, Trump opted out. He asserted changes such as getting up from his desk more often have improved his leg swelling.
Trump prefers not to engage in regular workouts aside from golfing. I just don't like it. It's boring, he said. He expressed a preference for not practicing any form of routine exercise while maintaining he hasn't dozed off in public meetings; instead, he finds closing his eyes to be relaxing. He also addressed concerns over his hands' bruising, noting he carries makeup in case of accidental injuries.
Barbabella's statement affirmed Trump is in exceptional health and perfectly suited to execute his duties as Commander in Chief.
