Earlier this year, on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a meeting between Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron became a trending topic – not for its political discussions, but because of a dark bruise-like mark on Trump’s right hand.
As soon as the images of the president hit the internet, social media users were quick to comment, with many questioning whether this was a one-time incident or part of a larger pattern.
Following the press conference, the image quickly gained attention, with users on X, commenting on the apparent bruise.
Journalist Aaron Rupar tweeted: “Scrolling Getty and couldn’t help but notice this photo of a huge bruise on Trump’s hand today.”
Another pointed out, “Some photos over the last few months show bruising on Trump’s hand… Always seems to be on the same hand.”
A third added, “That’s the kind of IV bruise you get when you’re on blood thinners. What are they pumping him with?”
Some speculated that Trump had attempted to cover the mark with makeup, pointing to a Getty Images description that mentioned the area being “covered in make-up.”
At the time, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed concerns about the bruising. She attributed the mark to Trump’s high level of public engagement, particularly his habit of shaking hands with supporters.
“President Trump is a man of the people and meets more Americans and shakes more hands on a daily basis than any other president in history,” Leavitt said in a statement, per NBC.
She later reiterated this point, adding, “President Trump has bruises on his hand because he’s constantly working and shaking hands all day, every day.”
‘Unlikely a handshake’
Then, in mid-March, the issue resurfaced when Trump was photographed during a meeting with Irish leader Micheál Martin. Once again, the mark was visible, prompting renewed speculation online.
Experts weighed in on possible explanations. Speaking to The Mirror, Dr. Anatalia Moore, a skin specialist, disagreed with Leavitt’s handshaking theory.
“It is unlikely a handshake, unless done with such a grip that could cause pain, would cause a bruise.
“A deeper bruise on the hand in an older patient or someone of Donald Trump’s age would make me think firstly they had required some medical support that involved placement of a cannula, better known as a drip, into the hand. So it indicates they could have had a medical procedure or hospital stay recently.”
She also suggested that “for many patients in their 70s – especially those who are not what we call a ‘fit 70’ – even a small bump against a doorframe can cause significant bruising.”
Bruises ‘from blowing a vein’
On March 20, when Trump shuttered the Department of Education, a move that aligned with his long-standing position on reducing federal oversight in education.
“Today, we take a very historic action that was 45 years in the making,” he said at the signing ceremony, adding: “My administration will take all lawful steps to shut down the Department; we’re going to shut it down, shut it down as quickly as possible. It’s not doing us any good.”
Instead of focusing on the implications of his action, social media lit up with discussions about the curious discoloration on his right hand.
“Not to gross y’all out, but it’s not just the bruise on Trump’s hand – these are not the fingernails of a healthy man,” an online user tweeted alongside a photo that shows the massive bruise and heavy ridges in the president’s fingernails.
“Didn’t his ear heal fast from a bullet…but he has bruises from shaking hands…” shares a second netizen.
Another adds their professional opinion: “Watching his deterioration .. in real time. He’s receiving tx [medical intervention] for something. I’m an IV therapist. I know these bruises. They’re from blowing a vein. I’ve caused a few of em.”
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