Bruise on Donald Trump’s Hand Reappears, Raising Concerns – Doctor Weighs In

During a recent appearance, Donald Trump’s hands were in full view, prompting some observers to notice that an old bruise had reappeared. A doctor has shared possible explanations for the bruise.

On April 14, 2025, President Donald Trump’s hands were in full view during a meeting with President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador. At that moment, a familiar bruise on his hand became visible, raising concerns and prompting debate among netizens, which led a doctor to offer an explanation.

The bruise on President Donald Trump’s right hand during a meeting with President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador on April 14, 2025, in Washington, DC. | Source: Getty Images.

The US president’s meeting took place in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C. There, a photograph captured his hands clasped together, clearly showing the bruise. The following day, the mark was still visible as Trump attended the presentation ceremony for the Commander-in-Chief Trophy, which is awarded to the Navy Midshipmen football team.

Colin Ramos and Daba Fofana pose with President Donald Trump after giving him a ceremonial football | Source: Getty Images.

At the event, held in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., Trump looked happy as he posed for photos with important individuals. He appeared alongside attendees like Navy Midshipmen head coach Brian Newberry with co-captains linebacker Colin Ramos and fullback Daba Fofana.

Brian Newberry, Colin Ramos, and fullback Daba Fofana with President Donald Trump during a presentation ceremony for the Commander-in-Chief Trophy to the Navy Midshipmen football team on April 15, 2025, in Washington, DC. | Source: Getty Images.

The trophy is presented to the winner of the American college football series. The competition is between teams from the US Military Academy (Army Black Knights), the US Naval Academy (Navy Midshipmen), and the US Air Force Academy (Air Force Falcons).

President Donald Trump reacts after Colin Ramos presents him with a large ring in the East Room of the White House | Source: Getty Images.

The mysterious bruise on Trump’s right hand was visible as the 78-year-old presented the trophy to the Navy Midshipmen. Dr. Ola Otulana, a general practitioner (GP) and physician at Cassiobury Court rehabilitation centre in Watford, England, has since offered some insights into the condition.

Describing the mark, Dr. Otulana said it appeared “consistent with a superficial contusion,” explaining that, in “simple terms,” it likely resulted from “minor trauma.” The GP noted this type of bruise can occur from bumping the hand against a hard surface.

Alternatively, he explained that repeated pressure could cause such bruising, like “leaning on a cane or gripping something firmly – or even medical procedures such as venepuncture, or blood draw.” The doctor also pointed out that bruising is “more prominent” in older adults due to “thinning skin” and “more fragile blood vessels.”.

The physician added that medications like blood thinners, aspirin, or anti-inflammatories could worsen bruising. These medications are known to “make bruises appear more easily and linger longer – which could be the case here.”.

However, Dr. Otulana emphasized that Trump’s apparent bruising “doesn’t raise any immediate red flags.” He added that if the bruise were to persist, spread, or be accompanied by other symptoms, then “further assessment would be sensible.”.

President Donald Trump holds a marker before signing an executive order on April 17, 2025, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images.

Reacting to images of the president’s bruised hand, one individual speculated, “He’s on aspirin for a blood thinner, just an after effect [sic] of a blood draw.” Another echoed the idea, “He’s probably on so many blood thinners that this is inevitable. I have a family member of this age bracket and the wind blowing too hard bruises them. [sic] It is really late in the day for this guy.”.

President Donald Trump signs a proclamation in the Oval Office at the White House | Source: Getty Images.

Someone else remarked, “That bruise looks like his skin is dead in that spot.” Another person guessed, “Its an IV bruise that has makeup applied to it. [sic] That’s why it looks weird,” while someone who claimed a similar experience observed, “The bruise looks to be topped with some sort of concealer or make up [sic] to hide the bruise.”.

President Donald Trump’s right hand is visible as he signs a proclamation | Source: Getty Images.

Another netizen shared, “These two spots don’t look like the rest of his skin, and do look like needle sticks. I have heart disease, my mom has heart disease, my sister has heart disease, that’s to say I’ve been around * a LOT* of needle sticks. And my experience is [that] the hand is a last resort, and not someplace a nice healthy person with good veins gets stuck. [sic]”.

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after signing a proclamation | Source: Getty Images.

One other person simply observed, “He’s not healthy….,” while another added, “Thin blood and thin skin.”.

The last time Trump drew attention for the bruise was on February 24, 2025, when it was covered with makeup. At that time, the US president was hosting French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House for official meetings.

Makeup covers a bruise on the back of President Donald Trump’s right hand as he hosts French President Emmanuel Macron for meetings on February 24, 2025, in Washington, DC. | Source: Getty Images.

In response to questions about the bruise, the White House issued a brief explanation. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “President Trump is a man of the people,” adding, “His commitment is unwavering, and he proves that every single day.”.

In a follow-up statement, she explained, “President Trump has bruises on his hand because he’s constantly working and shaking hands all day every day.” In December 2024, TIME reported that the president appeared older compared to when they had last met him seven months earlier.

According to the publication, Trump appeared more subdued as he discussed the bruising on his hand. He reaffirmed Leavitt’s claim: “It’s from shaking hands with thousands of people.” On April 11, 2025, he completed his annual physical examination, and two days later, the White House released the results on its website, squashing any concerns.

The president’s physician confirmed he oversaw the exam, which included consultations with “fourteen specialty consultants.” The results showed that “The President remains in excellent health, exhibiting robust cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and general physical function.”.

President Donald Trump holds up the proclamation he just signed | Source: Getty Images.

The report’s summary concluded, “His active lifestyle continues to contribute significantly to his well-being. President Trump’s days include participation in multiple meetings, public appearances, press availability, and frequent victories in golf events…”.

Speaking about his annual exam, as previously reported, Trump’s assessment was carried out at a hospital near Washington, DC, marking the first official checkup during his second presidential term.

According to the report released by the White House, Trump has been declared in excellent physical and cognitive health following his annual physical examination. However, fans are skeptical, with many questioning the accuracy of his reported weight and overall fitness.

A fan’s comment on Donald Trump’s annual physical examination, from a post dated April 13, 2025 | Source: X/SouthernerMatt.

Trump underwent a medical evaluation at the Walter Reed hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, and was found to be in strong overall condition. His doctor noted that his cardiac, neurological, pulmonary, and general physical functions were all performing well.

The examination also included a comprehensive neurological evaluation. The president reportedly showed no signs of depression or anxiety and achieved a perfect score on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, a widely used screening tool for detecting early cognitive decline.

Donald Trump arrives to speak during a “Make America Wealthy Again” trade announcement event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 2, 2025 | Source: Getty Images.

According to the physician, Trump sustained a scar on his right ear as a result of a gunshot wound during the assassination attempt in July of the previous year. Aside from this scar, his head, ears, nose, and throat have no abnormalities. Trump’s hearing was also found to be normal.

The medical report detailed several ongoing conditions, including well-managed high cholesterol, rosacea, and a past Covid-19 infection. A benign colon polyp was also noted. Trump’s current medication regimen includes cholesterol-lowering drugs, low-dose aspirin for heart health, and a topical treatment for a skin condition.

Donald Trump holds his first campaign event since a man carrying a rifle was arrested near where Trump was playing golf at his club in the Dort Financial Center in Flint, Michigan, on September 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images.

Weighing in at 224 pounds and standing 6 feet 2.5 inches tall, the president was noted to have joints and muscles with a full range of motion, according to the report.

While Trump has long been known for his preference for fast food and a non-traditional approach to fitness, the memo attributed part of his good health to regular participation in golf, adding that he has “frequent victories in golf events.”.

Donald Trump plays golf during the Official Pro-Am Tournament ahead of the LIV Golf Invitational Series event at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in Bedminster, New Jersey, on August 10, 2023 | Source: Getty Images.

The physician concluded that the president remains in top shape, with no abnormalities detected in his heart, and is capable of fulfilling the responsibilities of his role.

The health report sparked a wave of reactions online, with fans weighing in with skepticism and personal comparisons. One person raised concerns about the math not adding up, “Somethings wrong – his height over estimated or his weight underestimated. He looks like a BMI of 32 or above, the measurements make him 28. Publish the truth or don’t bother. [sic]”.

Someone tried to make sense of the results, noting, “How can he be 6’3” and 224? He weighs more than 224.” Another commenter agreed, “Absolutely no way 😂 I’m 5’11 and at my heaviest I was 225 still nowhere near Trump’s size.”.

Donald Trump gives a thumbs up after stepping off Air Force One upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on April 6, 2025 | Source: Getty Images.

Someone with similar opinions wrote, “Good, but c’mon, no way he’s 224 lbs.” Another person was straightforward, saying, “That man is not 224 lbs.” One individual couldn’t help but be stunned by the report, “78 years old, fast food diet, zero exercise… and still perfectly healthy.”.

Among the mix of comments, one person gave credit where it’s due, “Impressive results. Say what you will, but energy and mental acuity at that level is not easy to maintain. Staying sharp under pressure is a real skill.”.

President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office in Washington, DC., on January 20, 2025 | Source: Getty Images.

Another person with similar views penned, “Say what you will about Trump, but a clean bill of health at that level of pressure? That’s no small thing. Leading a nation takes stamina physical and mental.”.

Before Donald Trump was given a clean bill of health, concerns about his well-being were widely discussed. Experts pointed out that someone of his age, especially while serving in such a high-pressure role, could be vulnerable to various health issues.

President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office in Washington, DC., on January 20, 2025 | Source: Getty Images.

In an interview, Dr. Daniel Atkinson from Treated.com noted that individuals nearing 80 could face challenges like fluctuating weight and an increased risk of conditions such as diabetes.

He explained that managing blood sugar becomes more difficult with age and that insulin resistance is more likely to develop, especially under a demanding schedule like that of a president. With such comments, the public had urged Trump to undergo a physical examination during his campaign and in recent weeks.

Donald Trump arrives to speak at the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) dinner at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, on April 8, 2025 | Source: Getty Images.

On Friday, April 11, he took to Truth Social to share his enthusiasm about undergoing the much-anticipated medical test. He was full of confidence, writing, “I have never felt better, but nevertheless, these things must be done!”.

Following the exam, Trump addressed reporters aboard Air Force One, stating, “I think I did well.” He assured the public that the results would be released on Sunday, a promise that was fulfilled.

Donald Trump attends a watch party during the Iowa Republican presidential caucuses in Des Moines, Iowa, on January 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images.

He praised the medical team, describing them as highly respected professionals, and commending the facility where the exam was conducted.

When asked if any lifestyle changes had been recommended, Trump acknowledged there were a few suggestions but chose not to go into detail. He added that he has a good heart and a very good soul. He also took pride in acing his cognitive test, noting that he answered every question correctly.

Donald Trump participates in the CNN Presidential Debate at the CNN Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 27, 2024 | Source: Getty Images.

Experts such as Dr. Mark Siegel have also weighed in on Trump’s physical examination results and praised several aspects of the report.

He highlighted the president’s blood pressure of 128 over 70 and improved cholesterol levels, noting that the cholesterol-lowering medications were clearly effective.

Donald Trump during an executive order signing in the Oval Office in Washington, D.C. on February 11, 2025 | Source: Getty Images.

Siegel also commended Trump’s weight loss and improved Body Mass Index (BMI), describing the changes as significant. He pointed out Trump’s strong cognitive abilities, noting that his unscripted speaking style reflected his mental sharpness.

According to Siegel, Trump exhibits the energy of someone much younger and has a strong life span and an impressive health span. He called the results “inspiratory” and said the president is an example for younger people aiming to maintain long-term health.

Donald Trump waves at the 100th annual Veterans Day Parade and wreath-laying at the Eternal Light Flag Staff in New York on November 11, 2019 | Source: Getty Images.

Trump is receiving significant praise as his current results reflect notable improvement compared to previous examinations. During his earlier physicals, he weighed 244 pounds, placing him in the obese category with a Body Mass Index of 30.5. His latest figures show a drop in weight, bringing his BMI into the overweight, not obese, range.

Back in 2018, his total cholesterol measured 223, but over time, with the help of medications like rosuvastatin, that number steadily dropped, first to 196 in early 2019 and then to 167 in 2020, which falls well below the recommended threshold of 200.

Donald Trump exits the Oval Office and walks to Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on October 1, 2020 | Source: Getty Images.

Other indicators of his health have also seen progress. His blood pressure of 121 over 79 in 2020 fell into the elevated category but was still manageable. Additionally, his resting heart rate has remained consistently low at 62 beats per minute, a sign of good cardiovascular fitness.

These improvements have been attributed to medication and lifestyle changes, contributing to the positive tone surrounding his most recent exam.