Donald Trump has dismissed speculation about his health in a recent interview, where he directly addressed the unexplained bruising that has been visible on his hands.

At 79, Trump is the second-oldest individual ever sworn in as president, making his physical condition a frequent topic of public discussion since the beginning of his second term. Despite the scrutiny, Trump has consistently insisted that he remains in excellent health, often pointing to his strong performance on a cognitive test he took last year.

That said, Trump acknowledged that he does not always strictly follow medical advice. In a January 1 interview with The Wall Street Journal, he spoke candidly about aging and the steps he believes help slow its effects.

Trump explained that the bruises on his hands are the result of taking aspirin to thin his blood—though at a higher dose than doctors typically recommend. He told the publication that he prefers thinner blood flow, saying he does not want “thick blood” moving through his heart. He also admitted to taking roughly four times the usual dosage, describing the habit as partly driven by superstition.

In addition, Trump said that as he has gotten older, his skin has become noticeably thinner and more fragile. He recalled an incident at the 2024 Republican National Convention when Attorney General Pam Bondi accidentally nicked his hand during a high-five after her ring caught his skin.

“The ring h:it the back of my hand, and yes, there was a small cut,” Trump said.

According to the Wall Street Journal, this was not an isolated case. Similar minor injuries reportedly occurred multiple times due to Trump’s delicate skin, particularly during firm handshakes. Because of the frequency of the bruising, Trump said he began applying makeup to his hands to conceal the marks during public appearances.

When asked why he chose to do so, he remarked that it was simply precautionary, joking that it was in case someone “whacks” his hand again. He added that the makeup is quick and easy to apply, taking only a few seconds.

Trump’s explanation aligns with earlier comments from the White House, which previously stated that the bruising was the result of his constant interaction with people, emphasizing that he shakes hands frequently as part of his daily duties.

White House physician Sean Barbarella also supported that assessment, telling reporters in July 2025 that the bruises were consistent with minor soft-tissue irritation caused by frequent handshaking combined with aspirin use as part of standard cardiovascular prevention.

The president also addressed other health-related speculation during the interview, including claims that he had fallen asleep during cabinet meetings after photos circulated showing him with his eyes closed.

Trump rejected that interpretation, saying he often closes his eyes because he finds it relaxing, and suggested the images simply captured him blinking.

“I’ll just close my eyes,” he said, adding that photographers sometimes catch him mid-blink and misrepresent it.

While he firmly denied ever dozing off during meetings, Trump did concede that his hearing is not as sharp as it once was. He joked with the reporter that he sometimes struggles to hear clearly, especially in crowded or noisy settings.

Finally, Trump reiterated his long-standing disinterest in structured exercise, calling it boring. He said spending hours on a treadmill does not appeal to him, even though others may enjoy it.