The discovery of a bruise on former President Donald Trump’s hand has stirred up discussions about his health. While the White House has addressed the concerns, a physician has also provided his perspective.

During a meeting on February 24 with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump and Macron had an awkward handshake, which led observers to notice a bruise on Trump’s hand. This prompted many to take to social media, buzzing with questions about its cause.

Answering these speculations, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that President Trump is known for his frequent interactions with the public.

She stated, “President Trump engages with more citizens through handshakes than any president before him, showing his dedication to the nation every day.”

Leavitt further clarified that, essentially, the bruising was a result of his constant engagement with the public through numerous handshakes.

Despite this reasoning, some users on social media were unconvinced. They speculated that the bruising might be typical for someone of Trump’s age rather than indicative of a health issue.

Dr. Stuart Fischer Weighs In

Dr. Stuart Fischer, a New York-based internal medicine physician, provided insight, noting that as individuals age, their blood vessels become more fragile. Consequently, something as innocent as an assertive handshake could lead to bruising, especially on older skin.

Dr. Fischer also introduced the possibility of osteoarthritis, a common condition in individuals over a certain age, which could contribute to the formation of bruises.

Healthline describes osteoarthritis as a progressive joint disease characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation, affecting millions of Americans.

In Dr. Fischer’s assessment, Trump’s bruise could very well be due to a combination of age, possible osteoarthritis, and lifestyle factors.

Even though the issue might stem from natural aging, concerns remain prevalent among Americans, echoing similar worries they had with President Biden’s age during his tenure.

President Biden, who assumed office at 78 years old, faced scrutiny about his age impacting his cognitive abilities. Instances like ending a speech with “God Save the Queen” fueled such questions.

Donald Trump has promised to release his full medical report as of December 2024, yet the emergence of this recent bruise has only intensified the call for transparency regarding his health.

As public interest grows, the dialogue between transparency, health, and age remains a hot topic in the ever-watchful eye of political and public spheres.