President Donald Trump is facing scrutiny over his aspirin regimen, following comments made by Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a cardiologist known for his work with former Vice President Dick Cheney. In a recent interview, Reiner stated that the president’s approach to taking aspirin “makes no sense,” contradicting Trump’s claims regarding his health management.
During an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Trump discussed his decision to take a larger dose of aspirin to thin his blood, stating, “I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart. I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?” Despite his enthusiasm, Reiner challenged this perspective on CNN’s “The Lead,” emphasizing that anticoagulant medications do not actually “thin” the blood in the way Trump suggested.
Reiner clarified that these medications reduce the likelihood of clotting but do not alter the viscosity of the blood itself. “That actually makes nonsense,” he remarked, urging a more accurate understanding of how these medications function. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), while aspirin can help prevent clot formation, individuals over the age of 70, like Trump, may face increased risks, including bleeding complications, when using aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention.
Trump, who turned 79 on June 14, 2025, is the oldest president to assume office in the United States. He has consistently dismissed concerns regarding his health. In his interview with the Journal, he revealed that he underwent a CT scan for cardiovascular and abdominal imaging at Walter Reed Medical Center in October 2023. He also mentioned having undergone a cognitive test and MRI scan, describing the results as “perfect.”
Reflecting on the decision to have the MRI, Trump commented, “I would have been a lot better off if they didn’t it, because the fact that I took it said, ‘Oh gee, is something wrong?’ Well, nothing’s wrong.” His physician, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, previously stated that such scans are standard for individuals in Trump’s age group, emphasizing the importance of thorough evaluations of cardiovascular and abdominal health.
As Trump continues to navigate public perception of his health, the debate surrounding his aspirin use highlights a crucial conversation about the appropriateness of medical practices, particularly for older adults. With differing opinions from medical professionals, the focus remains on ensuring that treatment regimens align with best practices for health and safety.
