Earlier this year, Donald Trump made history as the oldest person to assume the office of U.S. president. Recently celebrating his 79th birthday, Trump continues to stir conversations about his age and its implications on his capability to lead. However, the former real estate mogul is confident in his health, claiming he’s in fine fettle.
That said, some things are hard to conceal. Lately, people have noticed one of his hands appearing quite wrinkled, sparking discussions among experts who suggest that such signs might reveal underlying stories.
While aging is inevitable, Trump’s team reassures the public that he is physically sound at 79. Earlier in the year, White House doctor Sean Barbabella provided a comprehensive report affirming the president’s capacity to manage presidential responsibilities.
The report highlighted Trump’s physical health by outlining his measurements and stating that his examination of the eyes, ears, neck, throat, and heart all yielded normal results. A colonoscopy performed last year uncovered a noncancerous polyp and diverticulitis, which is inflammation in the pockets of the colon, leading to a scheduled follow-up colonoscopy in three years.
The summary also indicated that Trump takes medication to control cholesterol and prevent heart issues, alongside a cream for a skin condition as necessary.
The Mystery Behind Trump’s Hand Bruises
In addition to the routine check-ups, Dr. Barbabella mentioned that Trump has undergone cataract surgery in both eyes. He concluded that the president maintains robust cardiovascular, respiratory, cognitive, and physical health, owing to his active lifestyle.
“President Trump possesses excellent cognitive and physical health and remains fully fit for the duties of Commander-in-Chief and Head of State,” Barbabella reiterated in his April briefing.
However, despite the reassuring assessment, the realities of aging cannot be overlooked. Over the last year, Trump has often been spotted with noticeable bruises on his hands.
The first instance emerged in the spring of the previous year during his hush money court case involving Stormy Daniels, when a mark was seen on his dominant hand. Similar marks reappeared in subsequent photographs, such as one taken in February during an encounter with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The White House maintains that these bruises and wrinkles are not indicative of any severe health concern.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attributes these signs to frequent handshaking. “President Trump is a sociable individual who interacts with more citizens than any other president. He engages in continuous handshaking,” she affirmed.
Emphasizing this point, she added, “The bruises result from his exhaustive schedule of greeting people day in and day out.” In a 2024 Time Magazine interview where Trump was featured as Person of the Year, he similarly attributed the bruising to meeting thousands of admirers.
While this explanation holds, Trump’s wrinkled hands again attracted attention. Shortly before he and Melania attended the Kennedy Center for the premiere of Les Misérables in mid-June, social media users widely commented on the visible bruising.
“His hand undeniably reflects his age,” one observer wrote on X, highlighted by Irish Star. Another remarked, “The bruising on his hand is hard to ignore.”
Physician Dr. Ola Otulana from the Cassiobury Court rehabilitation center in Watford, England, offered his insight to the Economic Times. He described the mark on Trump’s right hand as a minor superficial bruise, likely resulting from “routine bumps,” or perhaps a blood test.
Dr. Otulana explained that everyday activities such as accidental impacts, leaning on a cane, firm gripping, or medical procedures like blood tests could cause such marks. He further noted that in older adults, thinner skin and more delicate blood vessels can make bruises more apparent and longer-lasting.
Adding to this, he mentioned that blood thinners, aspirin, or anti-inflammatory medications could increase bruising tendencies, potentially relevant in this case.
Yet, Dr. Otulana concluded by asserting that the bruise “doesn’t warrant any acute concerns.”
Aside from the bruises and wrinkles, there have been additional health-related topics of discussion regarding Trump. On June 9, a photograph taken during a UFC event went viral. In the picture, Trump was with fighter Kayla Harrison, who had just clinched the women’s bantamweight title and placed the belt around his waist.
Speculation emerged across X, Facebook, and TikTok suggesting he might have been using a catheter beneath his attire.
One viral comment proposed: “Trump appears to be using leg braces and potentially a catheter. His right side, which has appeared weak for many years, shows possible evidence of frequent medical treatment, potentially indicative of a Parkinson’s-like condition.”
Catheter Rumors Swirl Around Trump
Another comment suspected: “There’s no doubt Trump is using a Foley catheter. This device is used to drain urine into a leg-mounted bag. The straight line on his pants? Definitely catheter tubing. Each step would probably sound like a sloshing liquid.”
These cathetic rumors circulated rapidly, but were met with staunch rebuttals from his supporters.
One response countered: “No chance. The pant leg fits tightly, and the line appears to be merely a crease. Foley catheters are typically used only post-surgery. Active individuals might rather use self-catheterization or pads instead.”
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