Former President Donald Trump has once again sparked concern by attributing a prominent new bruise on his left hand to his controversial use of high-dose aspirin, openly defying standard medical guidance. The dark mark, visible during his appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, adds to a pattern of bruising that has frequently drawn public attention, with Trump typically attempting to conceal similar discolorations on his right hand with heavy makeup.
Trump's Explanation and Defiance of Medical Advice
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as he returned to the United States, Trump downplayed the injury, insisting he remains "very good." According to Reuters, he stated, "I clipped it on the table. So I put a little—what do they call it—cream on it." He then connected the bruising directly to his aspirin consumption, remarking, "I would say take aspirin if you like your heart, but don't take aspirin if you don't want to have a little bruising."
Trump elaborated, "I take the big aspirin. When you take the big aspirin, they tell you that you bruise." He revealed that doctors have advised against this practice, quoting them as saying, "You don't have to take that, sir. You are very healthy." In response, Trump asserted, "I'm not taking any chances. That's one of the side effects," highlighting his persistent disregard for professional medical recommendations.
Details of Trump's High-Dose Aspirin Regimen
Trump has previously admitted to regularly consuming copious amounts of aspirin, a blood-thinning medication. His physician, Navy Captain Sean Barbabella, confirmed that the former president takes a daily dose of 325mg, significantly exceeding the typical recommended dose of just 80mg for preventive purposes. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump justified this massive intake by claiming it helps stave off heart disease, arguing, "They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don't want thick blood pouring through my heart. I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?"
Medical Risks and Previous Explanations
Medical experts have questioned the efficacy of such high doses for heart disease prevention and warned of potential dangers. According to MedlinePlus, taking excessive aspirin can lead to an overdose, resulting in symptoms like headaches and dizziness, and in severe cases, even death. Trump's bruising has been a recurring issue; in the past, he has attributed similar marks to vigorous handshakes, a plausible explanation given his many interactions at events like the World Economic Forum.
The latest bruise was particularly noticeable during a high-profile moment at Davos, when Trump took the stage on Thursday to sign the charter for the Board of Peace. This controversial international body, initially formed to address peace in Gaza, has faced criticism and accusations of attempting to supplant the United Nations. Notably, several prominent world powers, including Canada, Britain, France, Japan, and Germany, abstained from joining the initiative.
Despite this, Trump was pictured alongside other global leaders, such as those from Bulgaria, Argentina, Israel, Hungary, and Azerbaijan, with his bruised hand clearly visible. This incident underscores Trump's ongoing habit of flouting medical advice while maintaining a public persona of robust health, even as physical signs suggest otherwise.
