Donald Trump Explains New Bruise amid Health Questions – What We Know

This is not the first time the president has been seen with a bruise on his hand, with each instance prompting public concern.

U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed renewed attention after he was spotted on Thursday, January 21, with a bruise on his left hand. As with previous occasions, the mark sparked discussion, though Trump offered an explanation.

The 79-year-old said the bruise resulted from bumping a table at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and noted that applying cream to it made the mark more noticeable. He told reporters aboard Air Force One that his aspirin routine makes him prone to bruising.

"I would say, take aspirin if you like your heart, but don't take aspirin if you don't want to have a little bruising. If you take the big - I take the big aspirin. When you take the big aspirin they tell you, you bruise," he explained.

Netizens quickly took to social media to react to the sight of Trump's hand. One asked in disbelief, "What has happened to Trump's hand?" Another person expressed confusion and concern, "What's going on???"

Trump, the oldest man to assume the presidency, has shown signs of aging both in public and in private, according to those close to him. Yet he has sometimes ignored his doctors' advice and dismissed widely accepted medical recommendations. Instead, the president has relied on what he describes as his "good genetics."

Trump said that his doctors have suggested that he lower his high daily dose of aspirin. However, he has chosen not to change his routine, noting that he has been taking the same dose for 25 years. "I'm a little superstitious," he said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.

The president added, "They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don't want thick blood pouring through my heart. I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?"

Trump's doctor, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, said he takes 325 milligrams of aspirin daily for "cardiac prevention," though it is unclear whether that reflects a higher dose.

In February 2025, Trump was also seen with a large, noticeable bruise on his hand. Press photos from his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron showed a dark mark covering much of the back of his right hand.

The area appeared as if makeup had been applied in an attempt to conceal it for the photos. When asked about the bruise, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, "President Trump has bruises on his hand because he's constantly working and shaking hands all day every day."

She added, "President Trump is a man of the people. His commitment is unwavering, and he proves that every single day."

Trump's and Leavitt's explanations have eased public concerns over his health, considering that he is a leader of a powerful nation.

During the campaign, Trump voluntarily released health updates from his personal physician, along with detailed reports from Dr. Ronny Jackson, who treated him after the first assassination attempt. All of these assessments concluded that he was in excellent health and fully fit to serve as Commander in Chief.

After taking office, in April 2025 Trump underwent a medical evaluation at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. These results also showed that he was in strong overall health.

The report noted that, in addition to aspirin, he was taking several other medications. These included rosuvastatin and ezetimibe for cholesterol control and mometasone cream for his skin as needed. All required vaccinations, including travel-related immunizations, were up to date.

His medical history also detailed past surgical procedures, including an appendectomy at age 11 and bilateral cataract surgery. The evaluation highlighted that he had well-controlled hypercholesterolemia, seasonal allergies, and a prior COVID-19 infection.

He also had well-managed rosacea, actinic keratosis, benign nevi, diverticulosis, and a benign colon polyp. His cardiac, neurological, pulmonary, and general physical functions were all performing well.

The examination included a thorough neurological assessment. Trump showed no signs of depression or anxiety. He achieved a perfect score on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, a widely used screening tool for early cognitive decline.

The report concluded that the president remains in excellent condition and is fully capable of carrying out the responsibilities of his office.