Donald Trump has acknowledged utilizing medical compression socks and beauty make-up to handle and conceal seen indicators of well being points, as scrutiny round his age and bodily situation intensifies. In a uncommon second of candour later within the interview, the 79-year-old president confirmed to The Wall Road Journal that swelling in his legs and bruising on his arms have required ongoing remedy and, at occasions, deliberate concealment. These particulars had beforehand been denied or downplayed by his aides.
Compression socks and swollen ankles
Trump admitted that he wore medical compression socks to deal with swelling in his ankles, a situation that turned the topic of widespread consideration after pictures confirmed pronounced “cankles” throughout public appearances. He mentioned he later stopped carrying the socks as a result of he disliked them, regardless of medical recommendation. The swelling had earlier prompted hypothesis that he was trying to cover his legs by sitting behind the Resolute Desk throughout Oval Workplace occasions.
In line with the interview, Trump visited Walter Reed Hospital in mid-2025 after experiencing gentle swelling in his decrease legs. Exams, together with an ultrasound, led medical doctors to diagnose him with persistent venous insufficiency, a typical age-related situation that makes it more durable for blood to journey from the legs again to the guts. His doctor described the situation as superficial and treatable, recommending compression socks and common motion.Trump mentioned he has tried to observe recommendation to face up extra typically and stroll round throughout the day to cut back swelling. Nevertheless, he rejected extra strenuous train, dismissing treadmill exercises or prolonged working as one thing “not for me”. The article frames strolling as the one bodily exercise he seems keen to undertake.
Excessive-dose aspirin and simple bruising
The president additionally disclosed that he takes 325 milligrams of aspirin every day, 4 occasions the usual low preventive dose. He mentioned the medicine is meant for cardiac safety however acknowledged that medical doctors would favor him to take a decrease quantity. Trump defined that he has maintained the upper dose for many years out of superstition, regardless of its unintended effects, which embody frequent bruising and bleeding from minor impacts.
Make-up used to cover bruises
Trump confirmed that he applies make-up to his arms to hide bruises attributable to the blood-thinning results of aspirin. He mentioned the make-up is fast and simple to make use of and is utilized after his arms are knocked or scraped, typically throughout public engagements involving handshakes. The article factors to a number of events the place his arms appeared visibly bruised, bandaged or lined with make-up throughout official occasions.
Particular incidents and White Home denials
One incident cited concerned a minor lower attributable to a hoop throughout a excessive 5 on the Republican Nationwide Conference, which Trump mentioned led to bleeding. Aides instructed the Journal that comparable incidents have occurred repeatedly. Beforehand, the White Home had disregarded considerations, with press officers attributing bruises to Trump’s fixed handshaking and heavy workload quite than underlying well being points.Regardless of confirming these measures, Trump dismissed ideas that his psychological or bodily well being is deteriorating. He insisted he stays in glorious situation and credited “good genetics” for his resilience.
