In August 2025, pix from the Oval Office captured President Donald Trump with a conspicuous bruise at the lower back of his right hand—this time without any make-up concealing it. At times, he clasped his right hand below his left, apparently in an attempt to defend the discoloration from view throughout public appearances. This isn’t the first instance. Earlier images showed the same bruise, sometimes smeared over with mismatched makeup in an unclear effort to conceal it.
In fact, a smaller yet similar bruise later appeared on Trump’s left hand during a golf outing with former baseball player Roger Clemens—visible without any concealer treatment. . This suggests the condition may not be isolated to one hand, increasing curiosity and concern.
White House’s Explanation: Handshakes and Aspirin
The official line shared repeatedly by the White House remains: the bruises result from “frequent handshaking” combined with the use of aspirin, part of Trump’s cardiovascular prevention regimen.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has emphasized Trump’s devotion to public engagement—“he meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis than any other president in history,” she said.
In a memo, Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, acknowledged the minor bruising and linked it to soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking, further exacerbated by aspirin’s blood-thinning effect. . He described this bruising as benign and common in individuals of Trump’s age, affirming that comprehensive vascular tests revealed no arterial disease or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Underlying Health Condition: Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
Since July 2025, the White House has showed that Trump has been identified with persistent venous insufficiency (CVI), a situation wherein weakened veins impair blood waft within the legs, leading to swelling and sometimes bruising – his so-referred to as “cankles” have been also located but frequently omitted in reputable snap shots.
CVI itself doesn’t directly affect the hands, but it may reflect broader vascular fragility—making bruises more noticeable and persistent. The White House maintains Trump is otherwise in excellent health, with his aspirin use aimed at preventing cardiovascular events.
Medical Experts Weigh In: Alternative Explanations
Independent physicians have questioned whether repeated handshakes alone are sufficient to cause such noticeable bruising—especially for such duration and recurrence. Dr. Stuart Fischer, an internal medicine physician, noted that age-related vascular fragility and structural joint issues like osteoarthritis might be contributory—given Trump’s age, bruising may occur more readily and linger longer.
Others speculated about the possibility of IV therapy or frequent blood draws, which could leave bruised spots—especially in older adults whose skin thins with age. Claire Zagorski, a public health PhD and paramedic, remarked: “A man his age getting periodic bloodwork is very normal, and your skin gets thin as you age, making the bruises look obvious and especially big.”
Public and Media Reaction
Twitter users and media commentators were quick to notice the recurring hand bruise. One user wrote, “Trump has a massive bruise on the back of his right hand. How did he get that?” while another added, “Some photos over the last few months show bruising on Trump’s hand… always seems to be on the same hand”.
At the Democratic National Convention, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz mocked Trump’s physical health, especially in light of discussions around the bruises and swollen ankles—calling him a “manchild”—drawing applause from the audience.
Additional rumors have circulated online, including sensational claims that Trump has congestive heart failure or kidney disease and only months to live—none of which have been confirmed by medical professionals, and several have been debunked as misinformation.
A Visible Struggle: Attempts to Conceal Bruises
Photographs throughout recent months show Trump using concealer or heavy makeup to mask bruising on his right hand—often noticeably mismatched to his skin tone. During a recent Oval Office appearance, Trump covered his right hand with his left, though unevenly; in other moments, the bruise was entirely visible—pointing to inconsistent concealment tactics.
Summary of Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Bruise Appearance | Recurring dark bruise on right hand, sometimes left hand; sometimes hidden with makeup or hand placement. |
| Official Explanation | Frequent handshaking + aspirin use; soft tissue irritation; benign in older adults. |
| Underlying Health | Diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI); no DVT or arterial disease found. |
| Medical Commentary | Age-related vascular fragility, osteoarthritis, IV/blood draws possibly contributing. |
| Public Response | Speculation, memes, political derision, and health rumors. |
| Media & Political Messaging | Visibility during recent events—golf outing, Oval Office meetings, museum tours—highlighted the issue. |
What This Means: Broader Implications
Health Transparency and Aging Leaders
As the nation closely watches leaders’ physical health—especially those in advanced age—visible, unexplained signs like repeated bruising raise questions about transparency and capacity. Trump had not released comprehensive medical details publicly until his April 2025 physical and cognitive results, which deemed him in “excellent health” and fully fit to serve.
Political Optics and Image Control
5-Time recurring attempts to cover up bruising highlight the careful choreography of public appearances. Still, inconsistent concealment—especially via visibly mismatched makeup—can backfire, drawing more attention than transparency might have.
Health Misinformation Risks
Circulating unfounded rumors, inclusive of claims of coming near near death because of coronary heart or kidney illness, illustrate the dangers of misinformation—mainly when legit clinical details are constrained or behind schedule. Such speculation underscores how gaps in data can be filled by using rumor.
Conclusion
President Trump’s recurring bruise on the back of his right hand—occasionally appearing on his left—has become a conspicuous sign amid broader discussions about his health. The White House insists the reason is benign: common handshaking paired with aspirin’s results, compounded by using his age and a analysis of persistent venous insufficiency.
Yet, independent specialists advocate the bruise may be multifactorial: vascular fragility, scientific exercises like IVs or blood attracts, and joint troubles would possibly all play roles. Moreover, attempts to conceal the bruise with mismatched makeup or awkward hand placements seem only to gasoline public curiosity.
In an technology where ageing leaders face heightened scrutiny, visible bodily symptoms—left unexplained—can set off hypothesis, erode consider, and increase politicization of health. While Trump’s doctor continues to affirm his normal fitness, the hand bruise stays a small however telling indicator of how visible health cues can reverberate some distance beyond the physical.