Sign in

Did Trump try to hide his bruised hand again? Health fears after State of the Union speech

Health concerns about Donald Trump emerged after viewers noted makeup covering a bruise on his right hand during the State of the Union address.

Updated on: Mar 01, 2026 7:12 AM IST
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link

What was seen during the speech

During the address, Trump’s right hand appeared discolored, with what observers described as heavy makeup applied over part of the area. Screenshots shared online showed uneven skin tone around the knuckles.

Fresh health concerns surrounding Donald Trump surfaced this week after viewers noticed what appeared to be makeup covering a bruise on his right hand during his State of the Union address.

Close-up images from the televised speech circulated widely online, with some social media users questioning whether the 79-year-old president was attempting to conceal discoloration.

This renewed attention comes exactly a year after similar bruising first drew public attention.

According to The Daily Beast, Trump again covered his bruised right hand in makeup for the speech, describing it as his first official State of the Union of his second term. The outlet noted that the president has previously said applying makeup over the bruise takes “about 10 seconds.”

Also Read: Trump's ‘bulging cankles’ revealed in Josh Pate podcast, sparks fresh health concerns

Trump had earlier told The Wall Street Journal in January: “They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?”

White House remarks

The White House has repeatedly attributed the bruising to routine factors.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told The Daily Beast in a statement: “President Trump is a man of the people and he meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis than any other President in history. His commitment is unwavering and he proves that every single day.”

Officials have also cited Trump’s higher-than-normal aspirin dosage as a contributing factor.

Medical experts note that aspirin, commonly prescribed as a blood thinner, can make bruising more visible.

Also Read: ‘Why is Trump's hand bruised?’: Photos of POTUS in Davos spark health concerns

Health speculation

Last July, the White House disclosed that Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that makes it more difficult for blood to return from the lower extremities to the heart and can contribute to swelling and discoloration.

The Daily Beast also pointed out that Trump has at times been seen with swollen ankles.

Despite official assurances that there are no serious health concerns, the visibility of the bruise during a nationally televised address has again fueled speculation. The administration has not announced any new medical updates following the speech.

  • Prakriti Deb
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Prakriti Deb

    Prakriti Deb is a journalist at Hindustan Times Digital, where she is part of the US Desk. She works on stories related to American politics, crime, sports, entertainment and weather. She particularly enjoys covering political developments that have global ripples. Through her work, she aims to break down complex events in a way that feels simple and understandable. Before joining the Hindustan Times, she worked with The Indian Express Digital, where she covered world affairs. She holds a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication with a specialisation in Journalism, along with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Outside the newsroom, Prakriti enjoys travelling and stepping out of her comfort zone. She finds her sense of being through storytelling in all its forms, including conversations, painting, theatre, dance and photography. She appreciates discussions that challenge her perspective and help her see the world a little differently.Read More

Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.