While former President Donald Trump held a personalized football and praised the Navy Midshipmen for their recent triumph, many couldn’t help but notice something unusual — a familiar bruise had once again surfaced on his right hand, overshadowing even the gleam of his championship ring.
This isn’t the first time Trump has been seen with such a mark, reigniting ongoing speculation and concerns about his well-being.
The conversation first picked up momentum earlier this year, when images from Trump’s meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron drew attention not for political reasons, but for the dark discoloration spotted on his right hand. The meeting, held on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, quickly went viral online.
Social media platforms lit up with users questioning whether this was a random injury or part of a recurring issue. One post on X (formerly Twitter) remarked, “Spotted a pretty significant bruise on Trump’s hand today while browsing Getty.” Another pointed out that similar marks had appeared in previous photos, often on the same hand. A third speculated, “Looks like the kind of bruise you’d get from an IV — could he be on blood thinners?”
There was even speculation that the bruise had been concealed with makeup, based on a Getty photo caption that noted the area appeared to be “covered in make-up.”
White House Response: Nothing to Worry About
At the time, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the buzz, attributing the mark to Trump’s frequent interactions with the public.
Scrolling Getty and couldn't help but notice this photo of a huge bruise on Trump's hand today pic.twitter.com/LY9LFypsFF
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 25, 2025
She stated, according to NBC News, “President Trump is constantly out meeting Americans and shakes more hands than any other president in U.S. history.” She later added that the bruise was simply the result of his packed daily schedule and continuous handshakes.
However, the issue didn’t go away. In mid-March, fresh photos once again revealed the bruise, prompting renewed public chatter.
Expert Opinion: More Than Just a Handshake?
Dr. Anatalia Moore, a dermatologist who spoke to The Mirror, challenged the handshake explanation. According to her, it’s “unlikely” that a handshake would cause bruising unless it involved extreme force.
“For someone of Trump’s age, such a bruise might suggest a medical procedure involving a cannula, or IV drip,” she explained. “That could mean recent hospital care or treatment.”
She also mentioned that for many individuals in their 70s, especially those not in peak physical health, even a light bump can cause noticeable bruises.
The Bruise Returns
The discussion reignited once more on April 15, when Trump hosted the Navy Midshipmen at the White House to celebrate their win of the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy — awarded after victories over both Army and Air Force.
During the ceremony, Trump praised the team, calling them “true American warriors” as he held the custom football. But once again, it wasn’t the accolades or speeches that stirred the public — it was the prominent, greenish-yellow bruise on his right hand that had seemingly been masked with makeup.
Within moments of the photos going online, speculation exploded across social media. Some users suggested the bruise looked like it came from a needle, with theories ranging from dehydration treatments to vitamin infusions.
Mysterious large bruise reappears on Donald Trump's hand – as doctor claims to know worrying health reason behind it https://t.co/TwGH6TTGyD
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) April 17, 2025
Doctors Weigh In
Offering additional insight, Dr. Ola Otulana, a UK-based general practitioner, echoed earlier comments made by Dr. Moore. Speaking to the Daily Mail, he noted that the mark appeared to be a “superficial contusion.”
“In layman’s terms,” he said, “it’s likely caused by minor trauma.” He explained that everyday actions — like bumping into a hard surface, gripping something tightly, or undergoing medical procedures such as blood draws — could lead to such bruises, particularly in older individuals.
He added that aging skin and more fragile blood vessels make bruises both more common and more visible. Medications such as blood thinners, aspirin, or anti-inflammatories may also make bruises appear more easily and take longer to fade.
Until There’s Clarity, Theories Continue
Without a clear medical explanation, the online speculation isn’t likely to die down anytime soon. What do you think is behind the recurring bruise on Trump’s hand? Share your thoughts and pass this story along — we’d love to hear what others think too!