Trump’s swollen hands appear covered in makeup at White House amid growing health concerns

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump once again became the center of online health speculation after photos from a recent White House appearance showed what many believed were bruises hidden beneath layers of makeup on his hands.

The images, taken on Wednesday, May 6, quickly spread across social media and reignited questions about the president’s physical condition.

Donald Trump’s swollen hands and visible concealer fuel fresh health speculation

The bruising itself was not entirely new. Similar marks have been spotted on Trump’s hands several times over the past year.

But this time, many noticed what looked like thick concealer spread across the tops of his hands, with the lighter makeup shade standing out clearly against his skin tone in close-up photos.

At the same time, some observers also pointed to swelling around Trump’s ankles and hands, adding to growing concern surrounding the 79-year-old president’s physical condition as he approaches his 80th birthday next month.

Among those reacting publicly to the latest images was Gavin Newsom, who referenced the viral discussion in a post on X as debate surrounding Trump’s appearance intensified online.

White House repeatedly addressed bruising concerns

The White House, however, has already provided explanations for the bruising that has appeared on Trump’s hands multiple times in recent months.

According to Navy Capt Dr Sean Barbabella, Trump currently takes 325 milligrams of aspirin daily as part of “cardiac prevention.” Aspirin is widely known to increase bruising, especially among older adults.

White House spokesperson David Ingle also recently defended the president while speaking to the Daily Beast. Ingle dismissed growing speculation and insisted Trump remains highly active and energetic despite the online chatter.

Calling Trump “the sharpest, most accessible, and energetic president in American history,” Ingle argued that the president’s constant public interactions may be contributing to the bruising.

The spokesperson stated that Trump “meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis than any other president in history.”

Doctors say ageing can make bruising more common

Dr Stuart Fischer, a New York City internal medicine physician who has not treated Trump personally, previously explained that ageing alone could easily account for the visible bruising.

“Older people have easier bruiseability,” Fischer explained while discussing the issue publicly.

He also suggested that repeated handshakes could worsen the condition over time. “When you shake 50 people’s hands daily, that will cause those kinds of problems,” the doctor added.

Trump, who is set to turn 80 next month, has faced repeated scrutiny over his health throughout both of his presidential campaigns and his return to office.