Mystery blue object in Trump’s mouth at US Open sparks fierce online debate

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: A photo of President Donald Trump with a blue pill-like object between his teeth during his appearance at the US Open on Sunday, Septmeber 7, fueled intense speculation online.

The image, taken during the men’s singles final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, prompted debates over whether Trump was consuming a mint, a piece of candy, or prescription medication.

Andres Kudacki recalls capturing the moment

Photographer Andres Kudacki, who took the shot, initially described the object as a “tablet” on social media but later clarified that he was unsure what it was.

Kudacki told The Daily Beast that Trump, seated next to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, appeared discreet as he prepared to bite down on the object.

“I don’t know what it was specifically. I said it was a ‘tablet’ as that works for both, a mint or a tablet,” he explained. The Argentinian photographer, based in New York, added, “He was very discreet. I was waiting for some reaction from him. He’s a big personality.”

Speculation on social media ranged from blue Wintergreen Altoids to prescription medications such as Hygroton, a blue, square-shaped pill used for high blood pressure and edema.

Edema, or swelling from trapped fluid, has been linked to Trump’s July diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, a condition in which weakened leg veins hinder blood flow back to the heart.

The White House previously confirmed the diagnosis after visible swelling in Trump’s ankles and bruising on his hands raised questions. Leavitt said the president’s physician performed “a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies,” after the 79-year-old reported mild leg swelling.

Internet dismisses pill theory as mint debate grows

While speculation swirled over whether Donald Trump was seen taking a pill at the US Open, many online users dismissed the theory and suggested it was something far more ordinary.

One wrote, “It’s very possible—and even likely—that the object in the photo is a mint rather than a prescription pill. The small, light blue, rectangular tablet visible between Donald Trump’s teeth closely matches the appearance of Altoids Smalls Sugar-Free Wintergreen mints."

Others chimed in with similar observations: “Looks like sugar-free Altoids mints to me lol” and “It’s square like a mint."

One user added, “I know you hate Trump, but thank you for being fair with that answer. It is a mint, and it looks just like a Wintergreen Altoid to me. If you zoom in on it, they are identical.” Another wrote, “Maybe it’s a mint. Or an antacid. Will you solve this mystery for us?"

White House details Trump’s medical history

In April, the White House reported Trump’s blood pressure as 128/74, considered elevated, though it did not clarify whether he was taking medication for hypertension. His listed daily prescriptions include rosuvastatin and ezetimibe for cholesterol, plus aspirin. A doctor also disclosed in 2017 that Trump was taking finasteride for baldness.

The photo controversy follows viral online rumors over Labor Day weekend that falsely claimed Trump had died, with hashtags like #TRUMPISDEAD and #TRUMPDIED trending on X.

Despite speculation, the simplest explanation may be correct. Trump has long been associated with breath mints, most infamously in a 2005 conversation with Billy Bush, where he mentioned using Tic Tacs often. 

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.