‘Because he’s shaking hands’: White House brushes off Donald Trump ‘bruise’ speculation

Donald Trump has yet again been seen with bizarre discolouration on his right hand leading to speculation about his health.

Questions are being asked about a mysterious bruise that has appeared on Donald Trump’s right hand.

It was prominent during the US President meeting with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron at The White House on Monday.

But on at least two other occasions in the last few months, bruising or redness has been visible, according to reports. While early last year he was spotted with mysterious red spots on his right hand.

Mr Trump, 77, has consistently failed to release his medical records.

On Monday, while he was in the Oval Office talking to Mr Macron, a large discoloured mark could be seen on one of Mr Trump’s hand.

There was speculation online that the brown smudge was a poor attempt at make up to cover that part of his hand.

Makeup appears to covers a bruise on the back of US President Donald Trump's hand as he hosts French President Emmanuel Macron for meetings at the White House on February 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Bruises

When asked about the cause, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said it was because he was shaking lots of hands.

“President Trump is a man of the people,” she said.

“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”.

The White House said the bruising was down to shaking many hands. . (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP)

US network NBC News said it had witnessed similar bruising or redness on his right hand in August and November of last year.

It’s not the first time he’s been asked about it. In a December 2024 article for Time magazine he pre-empted Ms Leavitt’s comments when a reporter asked him about the discolouration.

“It’s from shaking hands with thousands of people,” he replied.

In January 2024, Mr Trump was seen with red blotches on his right hand – the same hand with the bruising.

Hosts on American news talk show Morning Joe weighed in, with co-host Joe Scarborough asking: “Do we have any answer on what’s on Donald Trump’s … his hands are bleeding”.

Donald Trump with red blotches on his hand in January 2024. (Photo by Charley TRIBALLEAU / AFP)

“Looks like he has a sore …” co-host Willie Geistsaid said.

“Is that magic marker?” questioned Mika Brzezinski.

Medical experts have also put forward a few theories.

A professor from Washington DC’s George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences suggested Mr Trump may have simply injured himself.

“He apparently injured his hand. It’s not uncommon for 77 (year old) people to fall,” Professor Jonathan Reiner wrote on X.

Meanwhile Joshua Zeichner, an associate professor of dermatology at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital told Business Insider Mr Trump may have a rash caused by a variety of possible factors including dry hands or from gripping his golf clubs.

Health records

In November, Mr Trump was asked by NBC reporter Kristen Welker if he would release his medical records – particularly given he was the oldest US president sworn into office.

He told Ms Welker that he had, four times. But she pointed out they were just letters giving general information about his health rather than his full health report.

“My reports are very good, very strong,” Mr Trump said.

“So you plan to release them?” he was asked.

“Sure, no problem with it,” he replied.

However, Mr Trump has yet to release his medical records.