Trump Explains Bruised Hand, Denies Falling Asleep in Public as Health Scrutiny Grows

US President Donald Trump addresses guests during the New Year's Eve celebration at His Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida

President Donald Trump has dismissed renewed concerns about his health, attributing visible bruises on his hand to daily aspirin use and firmly denying claims that he has been falling asleep during public engagements. In a detailed interview with The Wall Street Journal, published on Thursday, the president insisted that he remains in excellent physical condition despite growing public attention on his appearance, energy levels, and medical history during the first year of his second term in office.
Trump, now 79 years old, is currently the oldest sitting president in U.S. history, a fact that has placed his health under intense public and political scrutiny. However, the President has pushed back strongly against what he describes as exaggerated narratives, misinformation, and politically motivated speculation.

In recent months, images of President Trump with noticeable bruising on his right hand have circulated widely across social media platforms and news outlets. In several appearances, the bruises appeared to be covered with thick makeup, and on some occasions, a bandage was visible. Addressing the issue directly, Trump explained that the bruising is a side effect of daily aspirin, which he takes as part of a blood-thinning routine.

“I take aspirin every day,” Trump told the Wall Street Journal. “I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart.”

According to him, aspirin makes the blood thinner and more prone to bruising, especially when the skin experiences minor contact or pressure. Trump also shared a more lighthearted explanation for one of the cuts on his hand, saying it occurred during a celebratory moment.

He said the injury happened when Attorney General Pam Bondi accidentally struck the back of his hand with her ring while giving him a high-five.

Despite these explanations, health analysts and political observers say the president’s physical appearance has remained a point of discussion because the bruises appear frequently and have not fully disappeared over time. Critics argue that repeated bruising, coupled with visible ankle swelling during some public events, raises legitimate questions about circulation and cardiovascular health, especially given Trump’s age. Supporters, however, insist that such concerns are overblown and accuse political opponents and hostile media outlets of using Trump’s age as a weapon, similar to how Democrats once defended President Joe Biden, whom Trump often referred to as “sleepy Joe.”

Another issue that fueled speculation was Trump’s earlier statement about undergoing an MRI scan in October. At the time, Trump told reporters that he had no idea what doctors were analyzing but insisted that the results were excellent.

“Whatever they analyzed, they analyzed it well,” Trump said at the time. “They said that I had as good a result as they’ve ever seen.”

However, in his latest interview, Trump revised that claim, clarifying that it was not an MRI, but a CT scan, which is quicker and less intensive.

“It was less than that. It was a scam,” Trump explained.

His personal physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, confirmed to the Wall Street Journal that the president underwent a CT scan, not an MRI, and emphasized that the procedure was carried out to rule out cardiovascular problems. According to the doctor, the results showed no serious health issues, reinforcing Trump’s claim that he remains fit to lead. Trump did not hide his frustration with what he sees as constant probing into his physical condition.

“My health is perfect,” the president declared, expressing annoyance at the ongoing attention.

He argued that his stamina, sharpness, and demanding daily schedule speak louder than speculation based on photographs or brief video clips. Trump has long built his political brand around energy, resilience, and dominance, often portraying himself as stronger and more capable than his rivals. This image has been reinforced through his active media presence, frequent press interactions, and continuous use of social media platforms. In recent years, AI-generated images and memes portraying Trump as a superhero, warrior, or action figure have further cemented this image among his supporters.

Another controversial claim Trump addressed was the allegation that he has been falling asleep during public meetings and official engagements. Observers pointed to moments where the president appeared to close his eyes, including a widely discussed televised Oval Office meeting with healthcare representatives in November. Given Trump’s long-standing habit of mocking Joe Biden for appearing tired or unfocused, these moments quickly became politically sensitive.
Trump, however, strongly rejected the idea that he was dozing off.

“I’ve never been a big sleeper,” he said.

According to Trump, what critics interpret as sleeping is simply brief moments of relaxation.

“I’ll just close [my eyes]. It’s very relaxing to me,” he explained.
“Sometimes they’ll take a picture of me blinking, blinking, and they’ll catch me with the blink.”

Age has become an unavoidable factor in American politics. Joe Biden left office at 82, making him the oldest president in U.S. history. Trump is now on track to surpass that record during his current term.
While Trump continues to attack Democrats for what he describes as mental and physical decline, critics argue that he can no longer escape the same spotlight. Medical experts note that aging naturally comes with changes such as bruising, slower recovery, and occasional fatigue. However, they caution against diagnosing public figures based solely on images or brief video clips.

Trump’s lifestyle has also been a recurring subject of debate. The President has openly admitted that he does not engage in regular exercise beyond walking on golf courses. He is also known for his fondness for fast food, including burgers and fries that are typically high in fat and sodium. While Trump has previously said that he trusts his genetics and feels no need for rigorous workouts, critics argue that such habits raise legitimate health questions for someone in his late seventies. Supporters counter that Trump’s demanding schedule, constant travel, and long public appearances demonstrate stamina that many younger politicians struggle to maintain.

As expected, reactions to Trump’s interview have been sharply divided.
Supporters praised the president for confronting rumors head-on and accused the media of hypocrisy, noting that similar scrutiny was often dismissed as ageism when directed at Democratic leaders.
Critics, however, argue that Trump’s shifting explanations from MRI to CT scan undermine transparency and fuel further speculation.
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For now, President Donald Trump insists that there is nothing wrong with his health and that the bruising, blinking, and moments of eye closure are being blown out of proportion. As the oldest sitting president in U.S. history and a deeply polarizing figure, Trump’s physical condition will likely remain a topic of debate throughout his term, not just because of medicine, but because of politics. Whether the public accepts his explanations or continues to question them may depend less on medical facts and more on political loyalties in an increasingly divided America.

By Primelineinfo