Donald Trump's health: The secret behind the bruises and the truth about sleeping in meetings
In remarks that sparked widespread interest in political and media circles, US President Donald Trump revealed the real reasons behind the noticeable bruising on his right hand, categorically denying rumors that he had fallen asleep during official meetings and public events. These remarks come at a time of increasing scrutiny regarding the health of the 79-year-old president, particularly as he enters his second term.
The secret of bruises and the effect of aspirin
In a lengthy interview with The Wall Street Journal, published Thursday, the Republican president explained that the noticeable bruises on his hand, which have raised eyebrows, are primarily due to his daily use of aspirin as a preventative blood thinner. "I don't want thick blood flowing through my heart," Trump explained, adding that this regimen makes his skin more prone to bruising from even minor contact.
In explaining a particular incident, Trump mentioned that his hand was once cut and bruised as a result of a strong handshake with Attorney General Pam Bondi, when her ring hit his hand, resulting in those marks that sometimes required covering them with bandages or layers of makeup.
The truth about "sleeping" at public events
In response to reports and photos showing him with his eyes closed during important meetings, including a televised Oval Office meeting with health officials, Trump vehemently denied falling asleep. The president described those moments as "relaxing," not sleeping, saying, "I've never been one to sleep in.".
He added, explaining those shots: “Sometimes they take a picture of me blinking, or just closing my eyes for a few moments. This relaxes me and helps me concentrate,” emphasizing his vitality and ability to manage the country’s affairs with high efficiency.
Controversy surrounding medical tests
Regarding the controversy surrounding his recent medical examinations, Trump backtracked on a previous statement that he had undergone an MRI in October, explaining to the newspaper that the procedure was actually a CT scan, a faster procedure designed to assess cardiovascular health. The president's physician, Sean Barbarella, confirmed this, stating that the results were very reassuring.
General context: Presidential health under scrutiny
The health of US presidents is of paramount importance, extending beyond domestic concerns to encompass international influence, given the United States' central role in global decision-making. Health has long been a political bargaining chip; Trump built a significant portion of his previous campaigns on criticizing the health of his predecessor, Joe Biden, whom he described as "sleepy." Today, as Trump approaches 80 years of age during his current term, he faces the same intense scrutiny that Biden did, who left office as the oldest president in US history.
Despite adopting a diet known for including fast food and little exercise except for golf, Trump insists that his health is "excellent," trying to reinforce this image through constant interaction with the media and active appearances, to dispel any concerns about his ability to perform his constitutional duties in light of current geopolitical challenges.
