Donald Trump Responds to Health Rumors After “Dozing Off” Claims

Donald Trump has pushed back against growing speculation about his health, offering an unusual explanation after critics accused him of falling asleep during public meetings. The scrutiny intensified in 2025 when observers noticed a visible bruise on his hand, reportedly covered with heavy makeup. Around the same time, Trump confirmed he had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a circulatory condition affecting blood flow in the legs.

Online rumors spiraled so far that some falsely claimed the 47th president had died after a brief absence from public view. Trump dismissed the claims, continuing to describe himself as the “healthiest president ever” and pointing to a cognitive test he says he passed with top scores.

In a Wall Street Journal interview, Trump denied nodding off, insisting he was simply resting his eyes.

“I’ll just close them. It’s very relaxing,” he said.

He also addressed the bruising, attributing it to taking aspirin as a blood thinner—at doses higher than usual.

“I want thin blood,” Trump explained, adding that age-related fragile skin may also be a factor.

Despite the explanations, public debate over his stamina and health continues.