Donald Trump to undergo physical exam after mysterious bruises appear on his hands

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attributed the bruise to President Trump’s frequent handshaking, emphasizing his dedication to the people
UPDATED MAR 2, 2025
The White House announced that President Donald Trump would undergo a routine physical examination in the coming weeks (Getty Images)
The White House announced that President Donald Trump would undergo a routine physical examination in the coming weeks (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: The White House announced that President Donald Trump will be undergoing a routine physical examination in the upcoming days, the Irish Star reported on Saturday, March 1.

Physician to the POTUS, Dr Sean Barbabella, released a statement on the subject that read, "President Donald J Trump will complete his routine annual physical exam next month at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC). The date of his physical exam will be released publicly in the next few weeks."

The statement garnered interest as it came days after a mysterious bruise was seen on the 78-year-old commander-in-chief's hand when he met with French President Emmanuel Macron on February 24.

Makeup covers a bruise on the back of U.S. President Donald Trump's hand as he hosts French President Emmanuel Macron for meetings at the White House on February 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. Macron is meeting with Trump in Washington on the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale military invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Makeup covers a bruise on the back of US President Donald Trump's hand as he hosts French President Emmanuel Macron for meetings at the White House on February 24, 2025 in Washington, DC (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

White House's explanation for bruise on Donald Trump's hand

The yellow and purple bruise on Trump's right hand, as seen during his meeting with Macron, appeared to have been lightened with makeup. However, it was not hidden well and went viral on social media, where netizens speculated about the cause.

Attempting to control the narrative, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, "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."

U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron embrace during a joint press conference in the East Room at the White House on February 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. Macron is meeting with Trump in Washington on the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale military invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron embrace during a joint press conference in the East Room at the White House on February 24, 2025 in Washington, DC (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

While the explanation was plausible, it was not unanimously agreed upon by experts. Dr Staurt Fischer reportedly told the Daily Mail during an interview that the bruise on Trump's hand could indicate aging or other serious health conditions.

One of the probable causes for the bruise is osteoarthritis, claimed Fischer, an age-related disease that causes the degradation of cartilage and bone in the joints. Additionally, Trump's blood vessels could have also become brittle.

(L-R) U.S. President Donald Trump greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as he arrives at the White House on February 28, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump and Zelensky are meeting today to sign a preliminary agreement on sharing Ukraine’s mineral resources that Trump says will allow America to recoup aid provided to Kyiv while supporting Ukraine’s economy. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as he arrives at the White House on February 28, 2025, in Washington, DC (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Internet reacts to White House's explanation

Netizens did not buy into Karoline Leavitt's claim that Trump's right hand was bruised by shaking hands with people. The following tweets demonstrate their takes.

"Yes, because people crush the back of yr hand when they shake it," mocked a user.



 

"Right, and I suppose that signature orange glow comes from long days working construction in the sun?" jibed another.



 

"Looks more like bruises from having needles in your hand to me," wrote a third.



 

"Only if he shook hands with the Incredible Hulk," jibed a fourth.



 

"Hard-working hands get blisters on the palms not bruises on the top lol," noted a fifth.



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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