Donald Trump can’t shake off the health rumors as a new spot on his hand gets people talking
Donald Trump was spotted on Friday with a heavy layer of makeup covering his right hand as he left the White House, renewing speculation about the president’s health. The 79-year-old has previously been suspected of using makeup to conceal bruises on his hand, but this time the coverage looked particularly thick during his stop at The People’s House museum.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed the concerns, insisting the marks are nothing more than the result of constant handshaking. She said: “President Trump is a man of the people and meets more Americans, shaking hands daily, than any other president in history. His commitment is unwavering, and he proves that every single day.” When asked about the president’s bruising and his visibly swollen ankles, Ms. Leavitt has been notably vague, avoiding direct details about his overall condition.
both of these photos of Trump's hand were taken today (Getty) pic.twitter.com/oeBKYsq8TG
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 23, 2025
Last month, the administration acknowledged that Trump has chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a vascular issue often seen in older individuals. The illness is associated with swelling, skin discoloration, and ankle bloating. His physician explained: “In recent weeks, President Trump noted mild swelling in his lower legs. In keeping with routine medical care and out of an abundance of caution, this concern was thoroughly evaluated by the White House medical unit.”
When reporters pressed about the possibility of speaking directly with the president’s doctor, Ms. Leavitt responded that it was “certainly something we can look into” while stressing there was “nothing to hide”. However, the White House has not shared details on whether Trump is following a treatment plan or lifestyle changes, such as wearing compression socks, to deal with the ankle swelling.
The mix of unexplained bruises and limited transparency has only intensified questions about the president’s overall fitness. Adding to the speculation, Trump recently appeared to lose track of basic facts in public remarks. Earlier this month, during an interview on Fox and Friends, he referred to the Atlantic Ocean only as “a big, beautiful ocean”. Shortly after, he incorrectly stated he was heading to Russia for a meeting with Vladimir Putin, though the summit was actually scheduled to take place in Alaska.
