Here’s what happened.
President Donald Trump is once again at the center of a media firestorm — this time over comments about his personal aspirin use — as critics attempt to question his medical judgment despite repeated assurances from his doctors that he remains in excellent health.
The controversy stems from remarks Trump made in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, where the president said he takes aspirin to help reduce clotting, even though his medical team has advised limiting the dosage.
Trump said he prefers to avoid what he described as overly thick blood moving through his heart, saying he wants it to flow more freely.
Those comments quickly drew criticism from Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a cardiologist who previously treated former Vice President Dick Cheney. Appearing on CNN, Reiner argued that Trump’s explanation oversimplified how aspirin works in the body.
Speaking on The Lead with host Phil Mattingly, Reiner said aspirin does not literally “thin” blood but instead reduces the blood’s tendency to clot.
Medical experts generally agree that aspirin can be beneficial in some cases. However, the American Heart Association notes that for adults over 70, routine aspirin use to prevent a first heart attack or stroke may increase bleeding risks and should only be done under medical supervision.
White House Pushes Back on Health Narrative
President Trump, now 79, has consistently rejected claims that his health is in decline. He remains the oldest president ever sworn into office and has frequently highlighted his medical evaluations as proof of his fitness to serve.
During an October visit to Walter Reed Medical Center, Trump underwent advanced cardiovascular and abdominal imaging, along with a cognitive assessment and MRI.
“I probably would have been better off not taking them,” Trump later said, noting that undergoing tests often fuels unnecessary speculation. “But nothing was wrong.”
Trump’s physician, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, confirmed in a formal memo that the scans were routine for someone of the president’s age and part of a standard executive physical. He said the results showed no abnormalities.
Trump Reaffirms “Perfect Health”
The president reinforced that message on Truth Social, stating that he remains in “perfect health” and has now passed a cognitive exam three consecutive times — a point Trump has frequently emphasized while accusing the media of ignoring similar concerns surrounding past Democratic leaders.
Despite continued scrutiny from cable news commentators, the White House has maintained that Trump’s doctors have fully cleared him for duty, and supporters argue the latest controversy reflects yet another attempt to manufacture a health narrative where none exists.