Concerns about President Donald Trump’s health surfaced once again after photos from his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on February 24 revealed noticeable bruising on his right hand.
The images, widely circulated online, sparked discussions among social media users, with many questioning the cause behind the discoloration.
Social Media Reacts to Trump’s Bruised Hand
Observers were quick to comment on the apparent bruising, with one user pointing out, “Scrolling Getty and couldn’t help but notice this photo of a huge bruise on Trump’s hand today.” Another added, “I also noticed the bruise on Trump’s hand. I wonder what’s going on there?”
Speculation ranged from minor injuries to potential medical procedures. Some users suggested it could be a golf-related injury, while others speculated it might be the result of an IV insertion. Another comment took a more serious tone, stating, “God save him.”
A few social media users highlighted that this was not the first time Trump had been seen with similar markings.
“He must have had this same bruise for quite a while….like weeks, because there have been a couple of other photos from about a month ago with that bruise on the same hand. But the fact that it’s still there is really concerning,” one user noted.
White House Responds to Concerns
Amid growing speculation, the White House dismissed concerns about Trump’s health. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the issue, attributing the bruising to the president’s rigorous schedule.
“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,” Leavitt said in a statement.
Wire service photos suggest that Trump has exhibited visible bruising or redness on his right hand on multiple occasions, including in August and November 2024. Around that time, he told Time magazine that the marks were the result of frequent handshaking.
In December 2024, during an interview with NBC, Trump stated that he intended to release his full medical report. However, he has yet to follow through on that promise.
During the 2024 presidential campaign, a group of doctors analyzed Trump’s public appearances and raised concerns about his overall fitness for office, as he had not made his medical records publicly available. In their report, they noted:
“Trump is falling concerningly short of any standard of fitness for office and displaying alarming characteristics of declining acuity.”
The report also pointed out that, as he approaches 80, Trump may experience age-related cognitive changes that could impact his ability to handle complex decision-making.
Lack of Recent Medical Records Fuels Public Debate
The last publicly released medical report on Trump’s health came from his personal physician, Dr. Bruce Aronwald, in 2023.
Aronwald, who has overseen Trump’s health since 2021, stated at the time that the former president had lost weight due to improved diet and exercise.
He concluded, “It is my opinion that President Trump is currently in excellent health, and in his continued interest in preventative health monitoring and maintenance, he will continue to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle for years to come.”
Despite over a year passing since Trump’s last medical disclosure, no law requires him to release his health records.
Political science professor Jeff Gulati noted that Trump has successfully avoided public scrutiny for withholding medical records in two consecutive elections without significant political consequences, reducing any incentive for him to change course now.
As the 47th President of the United States, Trump is set to become the oldest person to ever hold the office by the end of his term.
At 78, he already ranks among the oldest U.S. presidents in history, which has only intensified public interest in his health.
