Donald Trump’s latest public appearance has ignited a storm of speculation after images surfaced showing a noticeable bruise on his hand. The photos, taken during his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, have gone viral, fueling intense debates about the former president’s well-being.
In response to the widespread curiosity, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stepped in to set the record straight. According to her, the explanation is simple: Trump’s non-stop schedule and his habit of constantly shaking hands with the public.
“President Trump is a man of the people and meets more Americans daily than any other president in history,” Leavitt stated on Tuesday night. “His commitment is unwavering, and he proves that every single day.” She went on to clarify that the bruises are simply a result of Trump’s frequent handshakes.
But even with the official explanation, skepticism lingers. Social media users remain divided, with some questioning whether the bruises are from an IV, possibly hinting at a medical treatment. “It appears to be an IV bruise, and it happens a lot to Trump,” one commenter speculated. “There are multiple photos with bandages and bruises. You would think the press would be asking more questions about his health.”
Another theory floating online is that Trump could be on blood-thinning medication, which can cause easy bruising. Others dismissed the concerns outright. “The same people worried about Trump’s hand bruise never said a word when Biden seemed lost, slurring, and shuffling on stage,” one user remarked, turning the discussion into a political debate.
Medical professionals have also weighed in on the conversation. Dr. Jeff Foster, a men’s health specialist, suggested that the marks could be from a recent cannula, a small tube often used for IV fluids or medication. At nearly 80 years old, Trump’s skin is naturally more fragile, making bruising more noticeable. Dr. Ross Perry, Medical Director of Cosmedics skin clinics, echoed similar thoughts, stating that aging skin loses flexibility and its protective fatty layer, increasing the likelihood of bruises. He also pointed out that Trump’s frequent tanning could be weakening his skin even further.
Concerns over Trump’s health have been growing in recent months, especially after he vowed in December to release his full medical report—something he has yet to do. The health of presidential candidates has become a major issue, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump himself has faced scrutiny before, especially in 2020 when reports surfaced that he had tested positive for the virus just days before a debate with Joe Biden.
Despite the online speculation, Trump’s camp remains firm in asserting that he is in excellent health, dismissing any concerns sparked by the latest viral images. Whether the public believes that explanation, however, is another story entirely.
