A dark blue bruise on President Donald Trump’s hand, spotted Monday during an Oval Office meeting, has reignited public curiosity about the 79-year-old leader’s physical condition.
As reported by the Daily Mail, this latest mark was clearly visible during his discussion with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, adding to a string of similar observations in recent months.
Just a day earlier on Sunday, a comparable bruise appeared during a golf outing with former Major League pitcher Roger Clemens, whom Trump publicly endorsed for the Baseball Hall of Fame. These recurring blemishes, often masked by heavy makeup, have fueled speculation despite official explanations.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the issue, stating the bruising is “consistent” with irritation from frequent handshaking and aspirin use as part of a cardiovascular prevention plan. Her explanation aims to quell concerns, though it hardly silences skeptics who see more beneath the surface.
Trump’s current physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, echoed this sentiment, noting, “This is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin.” Such a mundane cause might reassure some, yet the persistence of these marks keeps questions alive.
Former White House physician and current Congressman Dr. Ronny Jackson offered a glowing assessment, declaring, “President Donald J. Trump is the healthiest president this nation has ever seen.” While his confidence is striking, it clashes with the visible evidence that continues to draw public scrutiny.
Last month, the White House disclosed that Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition among those over 70, following reports of mild swelling in his lower legs. This diagnosis, confirmed by bilateral lower extremity ultrasounds, showed no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease.
Press Secretary Leavitt emphasized during a briefing that “the president remains in excellent health,” despite the medical finding. Yet, when makeup was spotted covering a protrusion on his hand in early July, and again during a trip to Scotland, it only deepened public unease.
These efforts to conceal bruises, evident in press photos from multiple events, suggest an ongoing attempt to manage perceptions of Trump’s physical state. If it’s merely a benign condition, one wonders why the optics require such careful handling.
Since taking office in January, Trump has been seen with similar bumps and bruises on his hands almost monthly, often accompanied by visible makeup patches. Last Friday, a noticeable splotch of mismatched makeup on his hand caught attention, further stoking curiosity.
Back in April, Trump underwent a nearly five-hour physical exam at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, including a cognitive assessment, after which he claimed to have “did well.” His history of upbeat health reports, like a perfect score on a 2018 cognitive test, contrasts with lingering questions about his weight, last recorded at 244 pounds.
Aides repeatedly attribute these hand marks to vigorous handshaking, a line that feels thin when bruises appear so consistently. If shaking hands is the culprit, perhaps it’s time for a lighter grip or a different greeting altogether.
The public’s concern for Trump’s health isn’t just idle gossip; it reflects a natural interest in the well-being of a leader steering the nation through turbulent times. At 79, any sign of physical strain invites scrutiny, especially when explanations feel rehearsed or incomplete.
While progressive voices might leap to exaggerate these bruises as proof of frailty, the reality likely lies in a simpler, less dramatic truth: aging takes its toll, even on the most resilient. Trump’s determination to project strength is admirable, but a touch more candor about these minor ailments could disarm critics and reassure supporters.
Ultimately, the focus should remain on his policies and leadership, not the shade of makeup on his hands. Still, as long as visible marks persist, so will the whispers, and the White House would do well to address them with clarity rather than concealer.
