A recent close-up of Donald Trump’s hand at a press event has sparked fresh speculation about the Republican leader’s ‘bruised’ hand.Viewers noticed what looked like heavy makeup covering a patch on the back of his hand, raising concerns about the US president’s health.Trump was speaking at the White House on Tuesday during a joint appearance with French President Emmanuel Macron.The MAGA chief addressed a range of hot-button issues, including questions around the Jeffrey Epstein files. However, viewers turned their attention to something else: his hand.A noticeable area on Trump’s hand seemed to be covered in tan liquid foundation, raising eyebrows as to whether it was meant to conceal bruising or some other mark. The photo quickly spread online, adding to earlier concerns after similar marks were spotted in spring 2024.This appearance has reignited debate, with some observers jokingly attributing it to Trump’s famously strong handshake with Macron, while others worry it could signal age-related health issues.In response to the hot topic, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the president’s condition. “President Trump is a man of the people. His commitment is unwavering, and he proves that every single day,” she said. In a further statement, she added: “President Trump has bruises on his hand because he’s constantly working and shaking hands all day every day,” according to reports in the Irish Star.Here’s what the medical experts say:
‘Shaking too many hands is a stretch’
Medical professionals have since weighed in with their expert opinions. Doctor Neal Patel, a primary care doctor based in California, reviewed the footage and expressed scepticism. “Shaking too many hands is a little bit a stretch. President Trump has had something like this in the past, and from my experience and my patients, I would put that lower on the list of possibilities.”Patel noted that bruising from a simple blood draw would be considered entirely normal for someone in their late 70s and is commonly seen in older adults.
‘Trying to hide it’
Offering another perspective, New York-based urologist and men’s health expert doctor Boback Berookhim told the Daily Mail: “More likely than not, he has some bruising on his hand and they are trying to hide it. It could be from a blood draw, an insect bite or potentially from hitting his hand against something.”“It could be a simple routine physical. Perhaps he is on medications that need monitoring; maybe he was having some complaint and they wanted to look further,” Berookhim added.Trump recently underwent a comprehensive physical exam at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in April. Conducted by doctor Sean Barbabella, the evaluation lasted nearly five hours and included cognitive testing. Trump later said he “did well” in the assessment.