Donald Trump is the oldest person ever to hold the presidency, so it’s no surprise his health is constantly under scrutiny.
Now, a new photo of the 79-year-old’s hand has people sounding the alarm.
Brushed it off
A lot has already been said about 79-year-old Donald Trump’s second term and the policies he’s pushed as president of the United States. But it isn’t just politics grabbing attention, his appearance has also sparked plenty of buzz. In particular, his hands have been the focus of speculation more than once.
The discussion started years back when people noticed strange bruises showing up on Trump’s hands. Back in February, during a meeting with French president Emmanuel Macron in the Oval Office, cameras caught what looked like a yellow bruise on Trump’s right hand. By March, two darker marks had appeared on his palm, and by April, the discoloration was back again.
At the time, White House officials brushed it off, insisting the bruises were simply the result of Trump’s famously busy schedule.
Latest picture
But the latest image circulating on X has reignited the conversation — this time for a different reason. On Friday in Washington, D.C., the 79-year-old president was spotted once again with makeup applied to his hand, reigniting questions about his health.
During his visit to an exhibit at the People’s House museum, a large patch of foundation — noticeably lighter than his natural skin tone — was visible on his hand. Later that same day, while speaking at a World Cup event in the Oval Office, Trump kept his left hand placed over his right as he addressed the room. But when he stood up, the makeup was clearly visible once again.
”What is going on with my president?””
People online immediately reacted with alarm, according to Unilad.
One person commented: “What health conditions could make Trump’s hands look like that?”
Another wrote: “His hands were bruised, his skin pale, his ankles swollen, what is going on with my president?”
And a third added: “Is this real? what happened?”
Officials have continued to defend Trump’s health. While the recent makeup on his hand wasn’t directly addressed, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt pointed to the president’s constant hand-shaking as an explanation for previous bruises, telling reporters on Saturday:
”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.”
She added:
”President Trump has bruises on his hand because he’s constantly working and shaking hands all day every day.”
45% think Trump hasn’t been transparent about his health
But bruises and makeup weren’t the only things noticed. Fans have also pointed out swelling around Trump’s ankles, which led to a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The condition was confirmed on July 17, after the 79-year-old was photographed at the FIFA Club World Cup final with visibly swollen legs.
Leavitt read a statement from Trump’s physician at the time:
”Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease.”
She explained that Trump had undergone multiple tests, all of which came back “within the normal limits.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, CVI happens when veins in the legs become damaged and can no longer pump blood effectively back to the heart.
Blood then pools in the legs, increasing pressure, bursting small vessels, and sometimes causing ulcers. The condition impacts about one in three American adults, with one in 20 developing CVI specifically.
Treatment can include compression therapy, surgery, or lifestyle changes such as daily walking, maintaining a healthy weight, and elevating the legs to reduce swelling.
The discussion around Trump’s health is likely to continue.
A May survey from The Economist/YouGov revealed that 45% of people think Trump has not been fully transparent about his health.
For now, the debate rages on. To his supporters, Trump’s bruises and swelling are proof of his relentless work ethic. To critics, the new “makeup hand” photo only fuels questions about what’s really going on with his health. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
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