Fresh questions about President Donald Trump’s health have emerged after makeup was once again spotted on his hands during public appearances, followed by images revealing visible bruising. The controversy comes just weeks after the White House confirmed Trump suffers from chronic venous insufficiency, a condition causing swelling and circulation problems. While officials insist he is in “excellent health,” critics argue that the explanations are inconsistent and may be downplaying deeper issues.
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Makeup Resurfaces in Public
During a visit to the People’s House museum in Washington, a large patch of lighter-toned foundation was clearly visible on Trump’s hand. Later, at a World Cup event in the Oval Office, the president kept his left hand folded over his right, but makeup remained noticeable when he stood. This is not the first time Trump has been photographed with cosmetic cover-ups on his hands, fueling speculation about what he is trying to conceal.
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White House Response
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt avoided addressing the makeup directly, instead highlighting Trump’s daily physical engagement with the public. “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 told reporters. Leavitt repeated similar statements earlier this year when the president was seen wearing makeup following meetings with European and UK leaders.
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Bruising Raises Concerns
Trump’s attempts to shield his hand from cameras during a press conference drew further attention when, days later, photos showed dark bruising without makeup cover. Concerns had already been stoked in July after images of Trump’s swollen ankles spread online. The White House acknowledged he had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition that restricts blood flow in the legs and can lead to swelling and discomfort if untreated.
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Doctor’s Assessment
In April, Trump’s physician, Navy Captain Sean Barbabella, declared him in “excellent cognitive and physical health.” He later explained the hand bruises as “consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.” Leavitt reinforced the explanation, calling bruising a “well known and benign side effect of aspirin therapy.”
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Questions About Transparency
Despite repeated assurances, critics accuse the administration of downplaying Trump’s health challenges. A May poll by The Economist/YouGov found that 45 percent of respondents believed Trump has not been transparent about his medical condition. Commentators point out that aspirin therapy is usually recommended for patients at higher cardiovascular risk, raising questions about why Trump is taking it at all. His previous coronary calcium score of 133 already indicated underlying heart disease.
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Media Coverage Criticized
While Biden’s age and health were closely scrutinized during his presidency, critics say Trump has been shielded from the same level of media pressure. Observers note that Trump has displayed visible signs of fatigue, even dozing off during meetings and public appearances. Yet, mainstream outlets have largely echoed the White House line, attributing bruising to handshakes and dismissing concerns as overblown. Commentators argue this double standard has allowed Trump’s health issues to escape serious public debate.
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Ongoing Speculation
With campaign season intensifying, questions remain about Trump’s ability to endure the physical demands of rallies and long appearances. Symptoms of CVI, combined with unexplained hand bruising, have left many doubting official narratives. As one critic noted, “It doesn’t require conspiracy theories to simply ask basic questions about the president’s health.” The mounting skepticism suggests the issue is unlikely to fade, no matter how firmly the White House insists otherwise.