Donald Trump has pushed back against renewed speculation surrounding his health, directly addressing the visible bruising on his hands during a recent interview. At 79, Trump is the second-oldest president ever sworn into office, making his physical condition a regular topic of public discussion throughout his second term. Despite ongoing scrutiny, he continues to insist he is in “excellent health,” often citing strong results from a cognitive test taken last year.

In a January 1 interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump explained that the bruising is linked to his use of aspirin as a blood thinner. He acknowledged taking a significantly higher dose than doctors usually recommend, saying he prefers thinner blood flow and does not want what he described as “thick blood” affecting his heart. Trump also admitted that his approach is partly based on personal belief rather than strict medical guidance.

Trump added that aging has made his skin thinner and more prone to injury. He recalled minor cuts from handshakes and an incident at the 2024 Republican National Convention involving Attorney General Pam Bondi’s ring. Due to frequent marks, he said he sometimes applies makeup to his hands during public appearances. White House officials and physician Sean Barbarella have previously supported this explanation, attributing the bruises to frequent handshaking combined with aspirin use.