The White House has shared why the 78-year-old, who is yet to release his medical records, has a large bruise on his arm.
President Donald Trump’s right hand seemed bruised during his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, February 24, sparking speculation on social media over his health.
Photos of Trump from the official event were shared online and some users were quick to notice what appeared to be a large and discolored bruise on the back of his right hand. The sight of this bruise prompted speculation on social media over his health.
One observer pointed out, “Scrolling Getty and couldn’t help but notice this photo of a huge bruise on Trump’s hand today.” Another user concurred, “I also noticed the bruise on Trump’s hand. I wonder what’s going on there?” An individual bluntly asked, “Are you ok??????”
Speculation about possible causes surfaced, as a user suggested, “Interesting. Thin blood, easy bruising could be alot of things or just normal.” More users wondered, “Golf injury?” Another person had a different theory, questioning, “I wonder if he’s recently had an IV?” Meanwhile, one user took a more solemn tone, writing, “God save him.”
Others seemed more concerned about the timeline, with one user noting, “He must have had this same bruise for quite a while….like weeks, bc there’s been a couple of other photos from about a month ago w that bruise on the same hand. But the fact it’s still there, is really concerning…as in what’s up w his health [sic].”
As speculations swirl online, The White House has dismissed concerns about Trump’s health. “President Trump is a man of the people. His commitment is unwavering, and he proves that every single day. President Trump has bruises on his hand because he’s constantly working and shaking hands all day every day,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
Wire service photos indicate that Trump had visible bruising or redness on his right hand on at least two other occasions, in August and November 2024. During this period, Trump also told Time magazine that his hand bruises were from shaking hands, according to a December 2024 publication.
In the same month, Trump shared during an interview with NBC that he would release his full medical report but he has not done so yet. During the 2024 campaign period, a group of doctors speculated about Trump’s health based on his public appearances, as he did not release his medical records.
They wrote in a report, “Trump is falling concerningly short of any standard of fitness for office and displaying alarming characteristics of declining acuity.”
They noted that Trump is approaching 80 years old. While many older adults remain highly functional, they pointed out that aging can bring cognitive changes that may impact a person’s ability to navigate complex situations.
Donald Trump’s most recent publicly released medical record came in 2023 from his personal physician, Bruce Aronwald, who has been overseeing his health since 2021.
Aronwald stated that a thorough examination showed Trump’s “physical exams were within normal range and his cognitive exams were exceptional.” He reported that laboratory tests, cardiovascular assessments, and cancer screenings all returned normal results.
Aronwald also noted that Trump had lost weight due to improved diet and physical activity. He concluded, “It is my opinion that President Trump is currently in excellent health, and in his continued interest in preventative health monitoring and maintenance, he will continue to enjoy a healthy active lifestyle for years to come.”
It has been over a year since Trump last shared his medical records with the public. While it is customary for presidential candidates to share their medical records, no law mandates Trump to do so.
Political science professor Jeff Gulati said that Trump’s decision to withhold medical records in two consecutive elections has faced no significant consequences, leaving little incentive for him to change course now.
Now that Trump is the 47th US president, he will be the oldest president by the end of his term. At 78 years old, he is already among the oldest to hold the office, hence the public and doctors’ concerns about his health.