Donald Trump recently turned 79, making him the oldest person ever inaugurated as President of the United States. Though his supporters insist he remains mentally sharp and physically active, a series of recent appearances have stirred quiet concern—especially after photos surfaced showing visible bruising and deep wrinkles on his dominant hand.
It isn’t the first time this has happened.
The bruises were first spotted during his court appearance in the hush money case involving Stormy Daniels. Since then, similar marks have been noticed during events, including meetings with international leaders and, most recently, a public appearance at the Kennedy Center.
Despite the questions surrounding these physical changes, the Trump camp has insisted there’s nothing to worry about.
What the Doctors Are Saying
In April, Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, issued a report claiming the president was in excellent health. It included results from tests on his heart, vision, hearing, and even a colonoscopy conducted in 2024.
The report noted a benign polyp and a case of diverticulitis—a common inflammation of the colon—but emphasized that no abnormalities were detected elsewhere. Trump was also reported to be taking medications for cholesterol, heart health, and a topical cream for a skin condition.
Dr. Barbabella concluded that Trump was fully fit for office and praised his “active lifestyle.”
But the public remained curious, especially after the hand bruises continued to appear.
The Official Explanation
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the issue publicly, attributing the bruising and wrinkles to the sheer volume of handshakes Trump participates in.
“He’s a man of the people,” she said. “No president has shaken more hands than Donald Trump.”
Trump himself echoed this explanation during a Time Magazine interview, saying the bruises were simply from “thousands of handshakes.”
Medical Experts Aren’t So Sure
Outside the administration, medical professionals offered a more cautious take.
Dr. Ola Otulana, a general practitioner in the UK, reviewed images of Trump’s hand and described the mark as consistent with a superficial contusion. He explained that such bruises can occur from everyday activities—bumping a hard surface, applying too much pressure with the hand, or even from routine blood draws.
He noted that in older adults, thinning skin and more fragile blood vessels make bruising more noticeable and more likely to linger.
He added that blood thinners or aspirin—both commonly prescribed medications—can also increase the chances of visible bruising.
Still, Dr. Otulana made it clear: “This does not raise any immediate red flags.”
Other Rumors Begin to Spread
While the bruises drew attention, they weren’t the only reason people began speculating.
During a UFC event earlier this month, a photo of Trump standing next to fighter Kayla Harrison caused a social media storm. Online commentators suggested that the former president might have been wearing a Foley catheter beneath his suit.
In the image, a noticeable line runs down the side of his pant leg. Some viewers claimed it wasn’t a crease, but tubing from a catheter bag.
Posts circulated claiming Trump showed signs of weakness on his right side—something, they suggested, that could be linked to conditions such as Parkinson’s or other neurological disorders.
Experts Push Back on the Speculation
Others were quick to shoot down those rumors.
One medical professional pointed out that Foley catheters are not typically used for patients who are walking around in public. If a person were recovering from a medical procedure, they might use a catheter temporarily—but it would not be standard to wear one during public appearances.
Additionally, others noted that the line in Trump’s pant leg looked like a simple crease, not tubing.
At this point, there is no confirmation of any medical condition beyond what’s already been disclosed.
A President Under the Microscope
Trump has always maintained a public image of vitality and strength, even as he approaches 80.
But as he gears up for another possible presidential run, the scrutiny over his health is bound to grow louder. Visible bruises, unexplained lines in clothing, and rumors about medical devices—whether true or not—fuel uncertainty.
While the official medical report gave him a clean bill of health, it’s clear that the public remains watchful.
For now, one thing is certain: every handshake, every photo, and every appearance is being examined more closely than ever.
