Donald Trump's White House physician, Dr Sean Barbabella, or another qualified doctor must remain within three minutes of the president, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The arrangement comes as US Presdent Trump continues to take a higher daily dose of aspirin than his doctors recommend. At a rally in Ohio earlier in October, the 80-year-old said he had followed the regimen for 35 years despite being advised to take less.

The arrangement means that Barbabella, or another doctor, is expected to be close enough to respond rapidly at all times, according to people familiar with the matter cited in the report. The physician is also among a small group with detailed knowledge of Trump's current health and helps shape public disclosures.

The requirement reflects the need for immediate medical access in a role where an unexpected health event could require urgent attention. However, the presence of a physician nearby does not necessarily mean that the president is unwell or receiving treatment.

Trump's Aspirin Dose Puts Doctors' Advice in Focus

At a rally in Ohio, Trump said his doctors had advised him to take a lower dose, but he preferred to continue his longstanding regimen. He said he had been taking aspirin for 35 years and joked that he would blame his doctor if changing the dose led to something going wrong.

Trump's aspirin use attracted attention after he told The Wall Street Journal in an interview published in January that he takes 325 milligrams daily. His physician confirmed the dose, which is higher than the 81 milligrams his doctors reportedly recommend. Trump has attributed his bruising partly to aspirin use and said he wants to keep his blood 'thin'.

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What Doctors Say About Daily Aspirin

Aspirin can reduce clotting and is prescribed for some people who have experienced a heart attack or stroke. But routine daily use is not recommended for most healthy adults seeking to prevent a first cardiovascular event, because the potential benefit can be outweighed by the risk of serious bleeding. Decisions depend on medical history and should be made with a healthcare professional.

The general guidance does not establish what is appropriate for Trump personally. His medical history and individual risk factors are not fully public, and it would be misleading to infer a diagnosis or specific danger from the dose alone. His comments should not be treated as advice for others considering aspirin.

A Physician Under Constant Scrutiny

Barbabella, a Navy physician who became Trump's primary doctor during his second term, has a role combining urgent medical readiness with the politically sensitive task of communicating about presidential health. The three-minute requirement illustrates the expectation that a doctor be immediately available should an emergency arise.

Presidential health disclosures have long attracted public interest, but information available to the public remains limited. The physician's proximity to Trump does not itself indicate that the president is experiencing a medical emergency; it describes the arrangements around the office.

Aspirin's benefits and risks vary by individual, so people should consult a healthcare professional before starting or changing a daily regimen.

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