The dawn of 2026 has brought no significant change in the political style of US President Donald Trump, with a series of revelations and actions highlighting familiar themes of personal health scrutiny, combative foreign policy, and domestic economic decisions.
Health Concerns and a Prodigious Aspirin Regime
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal intended to quell ongoing speculation, the 79-year-old President instead fuelled further discussion about his physical condition. Trump confirmed he takes 325 milligrams of aspirin daily, a dose his doctor stated is roughly four times the usual recommendation for someone his age. He defended the habit, stating a belief in its blood-thinning properties, despite admitting it exceeds medical advice due to a 25-year routine and personal superstition.
The interview also revealed Trump underwent a CT scan, a less detailed diagnostic tool than an MRI, and that he has used compression socks for leg swelling. Addressing notable bruising, previously attributed by the White House to frequent handshaking and aspirin use, Trump said he now carries makeup to conceal marks after vigorous greetings. He specifically mentioned a cut resulting from a high-five with former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Trump expressed clear irritation at the public focus on his health, a topic he raised sarcastically at the start of the call with the Journal. He also insisted that instances where he appears asleep in meetings are merely moments where photographers capture him blinking.
Foreign Policy Sparks and Domestic Decisions
On the international stage, Trump exchanged threats with top Iranian officials via social media amidst widening economic protests in Iran. On his Truth Social platform, Trump warned that if Iran "violently kills peaceful protesters," the United States "will come to their rescue," adding the US was "locked and loaded and ready to go." This followed recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani and Ali Shamkhani, retaliated with posts on X (formerly Twitter), accusing the US and Israel of stoking unrest and warning that any intervention would lead to regional chaos and harm US interests.
Domestically, Trump delayed significant tariff increases on imported furniture. Dubbed "TACO" (Trump Always Chickens Out) by critics, the move paused plans to raise tariffs on upholstered furniture to 30% and on kitchen cabinets to 50%. These hikes, set for 1st January, are now postponed for a year, with existing 25% tariffs remaining.
Personal Habits and Political Snubs
Beyond policy, personal details emerged. A claim from Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters resurfaced, detailing Trump's substantial campaign trail McDonald's order: a Filet-O-Fish, a Quarter Pounder, and a Big Mac, served with hot fries. Gruters suggested Trump sometimes combined two of the burgers.
In New York, newly sworn-in Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivered an inauguration speech that notably omitted any mention of the former city resident turned President. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, pledged to govern for all New Yorkers and "not to any billionaire or oligarch," in a move likely calculated to provoke through omission rather than direct criticism.
Collectively, these first days of 2026 paint a picture of a presidency continuing on a well-established path, with personal health, a pugnacious foreign policy approach, and contentious economic measures remaining at the forefront.
