President Donald Trump, 79, sparked a new round of health concerns on Friday after he was seen with what appeared to be heavy makeup on his hand. The apparent foundation was visible during a visit to the People’s House museum and again when he spoke at the Oval Office, where he kept his left hand folded over his right.
This incident follows a previous admission by Trump’s physician, Sean Barbabella, that the president has experienced minor bruising on the back of his hand. According to Barbabella, this is “consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the matter in a statement to the Independent, saying, “President Trump is a man of the people and he meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis than any other President in history. His commitment is unwavering and he proves that every single day.”
This is not the first time such marks have been noticed. Similar patches were seen on his hand after a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in February, during a late July meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and at a meeting with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
The recurring marks have prompted speculation on social media. Journalist Aaron Rupar highlighted the issue on X (formerly Twitter), and one user responded by suggesting the marks resembled an “IV bruise” from blood thinners, asking, “What are they pumping him with?”
Despite these public questions, White House physician Barbabella has consistently maintained that Trump is in “excellent cognitive and physical health,” reiterating that the bruises are likely a result of the aspirin he takes for cardiovascular disease prevention.