US President Donald Trump has appeared at multiple public engagements this week with visible bandages on his right hand, most recently while hosting the Kennedy Center Honors dinner. This marks the first time a sitting President has hosted the event rather than simply attending.
Multiple Appearances with Bandages
According to reports, the dressings have been consistently visible throughout the week:
- Cabinet Meeting: The coverings were first noticed earlier in the week.
- Diplomatic Meetings: They were visible again when Trump met with the presidents of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Kennedy Center Honors: By Saturday (ET), the bandages were seen during a private Oval Office ceremony with the honorees and later at the State Department dinner, where Trump presented medallions.
The President, who is known to use makeup to obscure persistent bruising on his hand, appeared to have opted for bandages again for these high-profile events.
White House’s Previous Explanations
The White House has previously addressed recurring marks and bruising on the President’s hand, attributing the marks to factors related to his active schedule and health routine:
- Aspirin Use: Daily use of aspirin has been cited as a cause for bruising.
- High Volume of Handshakes: Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt previously attributed the marks to the President’s demanding schedule: “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.”
Reports indicate that without makeup or bandages, “substantial bruising” is often visible. The White House has not yet provided a new explanation for the repeatedly bandaged hand observed this week. The administration has historically faced criticism for withholding specific details regarding the President’s medical evaluations.