Donald Trump scoffs at concerns over his health: 'I have very good genetics'

Donald Trump says “good genetics” gives him lots of energy as he enters the second year of his second term as U.S. president, reportedly dismissing concerns about his health.

The 79-year-old Trump also said he regrets getting a cardiovascular and abdominal scan at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in October because it has led to critics questioning his physical fitness as the country’s leader.

“In retrospect, it’s too bad I took it because it gave them a little ammunition,” Trump told The Wall Street Journal. “I would have been a lot better off if they didn’t, because the fact that I took it said, ‘Oh gee, is something wrong?’ Well, nothing’s wrong.”

Aspirin to thin blood

During the interview with the outlet, which Trump is suing for $10 billion over its reporting of his ties to late child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the president also said he takes aspirin above what his doctors recommend to thin his blood.

“They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart,” Trump said. “I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?”

Trump said his substantial aspirin intake has led to bruising on his body. Doctors suggested he lower the amount, but he brushed aside their recommendation.

“I’m a little superstitious,” Trump said, adding he has been taking aspirin daily for 25 years.

In April, his doctor reported the president takes rosuvastatin and ezetimibe to control his cholesterol and mometasone cream for a skin condition.

Diet hasn’t changed

The president said his eating habits haven’t changed after Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters expressed shock at Trump’s diet of burgers and French fries during a podcast interview in October.

Gruters, who is also a Florida state senator and Trump ally, spoke about the president’s unique diet while on the campaign trail, media reported at the time.

“The amount, and what the president eats,” Gruters told the Chambers, Changes, & Conversations podcast, which has now been made private. “He had hot fries waiting for him from McDonald’s. Then he had a Filet-O-Fish, a Quarter Pounder, and a Big Mac, and I think he combined two of them.”

‘Very good genetics’

Meanwhile, Trump praised his parents’ longevity and being active late in life for allowing him to have the energy to execute his duties as president.

“Genetics are very important,” he said. “And I have very good genetics.”

The interview, an impromptu conversation over the phone, occurred after The Journal shared its reporting on Trump’s overall health with White House staff.

“Let’s talk about health again for the 25th time,” he said at the beginning of the interview. “My health is perfect.”

The report also said Trump began using compression socks for his swelling ankles, but he stopped wearing them. “I didn’t like them,” Trump said.

The swelling in his lower legs is getting better, according to Trump and his aides. They say more walking has helped improve the condition.

Asks for fewer daily meetings

Trump has also requested his daily meetings be pared down not because of his age but to be more efficient with his time and focus on bigger-picture issues.

His staff has also encouraged him to slow down his busy pace by suggesting he spend about two weeks in South Florida at his Mar-a-Lago home over the holidays, which he agreed to.

Trump also said getting regular exercise — apart from golfing — doesn’t appeal to him.

“I just don’t like it,” Trump said. “It’s boring. To walk on a treadmill or run on a treadmill for hours and hours like some people do, that’s not for me.”