Trump’s Daily Aspirin Habit and the Medical Debate

President Donald Trump, 80, has repeatedly said he takes a full 325-milligram aspirin each day. He describes the habit as “psychologically” necessary and links it to his belief that thinner blood is better for his heart. The president has taken the medication for roughly 25 years, a dose that exceeds the 81-milligram “low-dose” aspirin commonly prescribed for cardiovascular prevention.

Newsweek

Aspirin reduces blood-platelet clotting, which can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes in some patients. However, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends against daily aspirin for adults 60 and older who have not experienced a prior cardiovascular event, citing a higher risk of bleeding. The Mayo Clinic echoes this stance, warning that routine aspirin can cause serious side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding and noting that its benefits are well established only for “secondary prevention” after a heart attack or stroke.

Newsweek

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has said the bruising observed on Trump’s hands is consistent with frequent handshaking and that his aspirin use is part of a cardiovascular-prevention regimen. Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, confirmed the president’s daily 325-milligram dose and described it as intended for “cardiac prevention.” In a recent medical evaluation, Trump reported “excellent metabolic health” and cardiovascular metrics that appeared younger than his chronological age.

Newsweek

Medical experts stress that aspirin is not a one-size-fits-all preventive measure. The decision to use daily aspirin depends on an individual’s medical history, cardiovascular risk profile, and bleeding risk. For many older adults, the potential harms outweigh the benefits unless they have already suffered a heart attack or stroke.

Newsweek

• “I take an aspirin a day. I don't know if it works, but psychologically, I need it,” — Donald Trump, president

Newsweek

• “They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don't want thick blood pouring through my heart. I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart.” — Donald Trump, president

Newsweek