US President Donald Trump’s health has once again come under scrutiny after he revealed that he takes a higher daily dose of aspirin than doctors usually recommend. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, the 79-year-old said he takes a full 325 mg of aspirin every day to “thin the blood.” The disclosure has renewed questions about aspirin use, safe dosage levels, and the potential risks of long-term or high-dose consumption — especially in older adults.
Aspirin is a widely used drug that belongs to a class of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is commonly used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and reduce fever. Aspirin is also prescribed in lower doses to help prevent blood clots, heart attacks and strokes by thinning the blood and reducing platelet aggregation.
Because of these blood-thinning properties, aspirin is often used as part of long-term cardiovascular prevention, especially in older adults or those with heart-related risk factors.
Spotlight on Trump’s aspirin use
US President Donald Trump (79) told The Wall Street Journal that he takes a higher daily dose of aspirin than his doctors usually recommend. His doctor, Sean Barbabella, said Trump takes 325 milligrams of aspirin a day for heart prevention — considered the higher end of standard dosage for that purpose.
“They say aspirin is a good blood thinner, and I don’t want thick blood running through my heart,” Trump said.
What is a “normal” daily dose of aspirin?
For cardiovascular prevention, doctors usually prescribe low doses of aspirin, typically 75 to 100 milligrams per day, with 81 mg being the most common dose in the United States.
A daily dose of 325 mg is still used medically in some cases, but is considered a full dose and is generally prescribed with caution, especially in older adults, due to a higher risk of side effects.
Medical guidelines are increasingly recommending careful consideration of the benefits and risks of aspirin, especially in elderly patients without a history of heart attack or stroke.
Does aspirin cause side effects?
Yes. While aspirin is effective, it can cause side effects—especially when used long-term or at higher doses.
Common side effects include:
More serious risks may include:
– Gastrointestinal bleeding
– Increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke
– Kidney problems with long-term use
Trump’s doctor and the White House previously said his visible bruising was consistent with aspirin use combined with frequent handshakes.
Can you take too much aspirin?
Taking too much aspirin—either through high daily doses or an accidental overdose—can be dangerous.
Symptoms of aspirin overuse or toxicity may include:
In severe cases, aspirin toxicity can be life-threatening. This is why doctors generally recommend the lowest effective dose and regularly reassess whether continued aspirin therapy is necessary.
Why Trump’s Aspirin Habit Attracted Attention
Trump is the second-oldest person to hold the office of US president, and his health has been under intense public scrutiny. Concerns have grown following reports of bruised hands, twists and imaging scans.
In July, the White House confirmed that Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition affecting blood flow in the veins that officials described as benign and common.
Questions have also been raised following reports of a brain scan in October. While it was initially described as an MRI, Trump and his doctor later clarified that it was a CT scan that was done as a precaution.
