A noticeable bruise on his left hand sparked questions about Donald Trump’s health during his return flight from the World Economic Forum in Davos. The 79-year-old President, however, quickly dismissed any concerns with a surprisingly casual explanation.
“I’m very good,” he reportedly said, offering a simple account of the injury. “I clipped it on the table. So, I put a little – what do they call it? – cream on it. But I clipped it.” The remark, delivered with characteristic brevity, did little to quell the rising speculation.
Trump then attributed the recurring bruising to his daily regimen of 325mg of aspirin, taken as a preventative measure against heart attack or stroke. He playfully suggested, “I would say take aspirin if you like your heart. But don’t take aspirin if you don’t want to have a little bruising. I take the big aspirin.”
For over two decades, the former president has maintained this high dosage, despite limited evidence supporting its benefits for individuals without pre-existing heart conditions. He recounted a conversation with his doctor, stating, “The doctor said, ‘You don’t have to take that, sir. You’re very healthy.’ I said, ‘I’m not taking any chances.’”
This isn’t an isolated incident. Trump has previously been observed with bruising, openly admitting to using makeup to conceal the marks. Past explanations from the White House have ranged from frequent handshaking to speculation about IV drips and the natural effects of aging – he remains the oldest president in US history.
In July, a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency revealed the cause of recently swollen legs. This diagnosis, coupled with periods of public silence, even fueled unfounded rumors about his health, including speculation of a stroke following a 9/11 remembrance ceremony.
Despite these concerns, Trump has consistently asserted his robust health, boldly claiming to be “healthier than Obama,” despite the significant age difference. Last April’s annual physical examination declared him “in excellent health” and “fully fit to execute the duties” of the presidency.
The report, penned by Dr. Sean Barbabella, did note well-controlled high cholesterol and actinic keratosis, but overall painted a picture of a president defying expectations. The ongoing narrative surrounding his health, however, continues to captivate public attention.
