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Concerns Raised as Bruise Reappears on Donald Trump’s Hand
Speculation surrounding the health of former President Donald Trump has resurfaced after a prominent bruise was once again observed on his right hand. The mark, visible as Trump, 78, presented the Commander-in-Chief trophy, has reignited questions regarding its origin and implications.
Bruise Visible During Trophy Presentation
The noticeable bruise was clearly seen on Mr. Trump‘s right hand on Tuesday as he awarded the prestigious Commander-in-Chief trophy to the victorious Navy Midshipmen football team. This accolade is annually bestowed upon the winner of the college football series contested between the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies.
Mr. Trump addressed the assembled victors while holding a football bearing his signature. A championship ring adorned his left hand, contrasting with the bruise on his right, which appeared to be partially concealed with skin-toned makeup.
Recurring Bruise Sparks Speculation
This is not the first time the bruise has been observed. It initially became apparent in October when Mr. Trump briefly paused his campaign activities. Photographs taken throughout the year have captured the mark, leading to widespread conjecture regarding the former president’s well-being and prompting discussions about potential health issues.
White House Explanation and Medical Opinion
In February, when questioned about the bruise, a White House official attributed it to the rigors of constant handshaking during campaign events and presidential duties. According to the official, the sheer volume of interactions could explain the recurring bruising, particularly during periods of intense campaigning, such as in October.
However, medical professionals propose alternative explanations. One physician suggested the bruise could be the result of “minor trauma,” possibly stemming from a minor injury, accidental bump, or even medical procedures like blood draws or intravenous drips.
Medical Professional’s Perspective on Potential Causes
Dr. Ola Otulana, a general practitioner and physician at Cassiobury Court rehabilitation centre, indicated to MailOnline that the bruise on Mr. Trump‘s right hand appears “consistent with a superficial contusion.”
He clarified that in simpler terms, the bruise likely “results from minor trauma.”
Dr. Otulana elaborated, stating, “This could arise from everyday events such as bumping the hand against a firm object, repeated pressure – for example, from using a cane or grasping something tightly – or even medical interventions like venepuncture, or blood extraction.”
Age and Medication as Contributing Factors
The physician further pointed out that bruising is more common and pronounced in older individuals due to age-related thinning of the skin and increased fragility of blood vessels.
He added that certain medications, such as Aspirin, blood thinners, and anti-inflammatories, can exacerbate this tendency, leading to bruises that appear more readily and persist for longer durations – which could potentially be the situation in this instance.
Dr. Otulana stated that the observed bruising on Mr. Trump‘s right hand “doesn’t raise any immediate alarm,” but advised that if the bruise were to persist, spread, or be accompanied by other symptoms, “further evaluation would be advisable.”
Timeline of Bruise Appearances
The bruise initially surfaced in October of last year when Mr. Trump attended the Al Smith Dinner in Manhattan. Despite attempting to conceal it with makeup, photographs from the event clearly showed discoloration on his right hand.
The same bruise was noticeable again later that month at a Fox News town hall, where makeup was once more seemingly employed to minimize its visibility.
Prior to this, keen observers noted a similar mark during Mr. Trump’s legal proceedings against Stormy Daniels earlier in the year.
The bruise was also distinctly visible when Mr. Trump displayed executive orders for photographs during his initial days in office, consistently appearing on his right hand – the same hand he uses for various actions, including signing documents and operating a button for beverage requests.
Notably, the bruise was particularly prominent during encounters with French President Emmanuel Macron in February, coinciding with a series of handshakes between the two leaders.
Social Media Speculation and White House Response
The lack of definitive information regarding the bruise has fueled considerable speculation across social media platforms.
Some online users suggested the bruise resembled markings left by IV procedures. Others questioned whether Mr. Trump, as the oldest president to assume office, might be experiencing dehydration or vitamin deficiencies, though without providing substantiating evidence.
The White House, however, has consistently downplayed the speculation, maintaining that the bruising is a direct consequence of frequent handshaking – an inherent aspect of the president’s public role and engagements.