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By Daniel Orton
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President Donald Trump says the bruises and makeup on his hands that have fueled months of speculation are the result of minor cuts and a daily aspirin regimen he refuses to give up—not a hidden health crisis.
Why It Matters
At 79, Trump was the oldest man to assume the presidency, and his age has fueled persistent questions about his stamina. His comments come after weeks of online chatter about visible blemishes and highlight his long-standing tendency to downplay health concerns—from COVID-19 symptoms to a secret colonoscopy during his first term.
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In an election cycle where age was hotly contested—Trump himself frequently criticized his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, on similar grounds—any sign of infirmity among presidents has become a flashpoint for both supporters and critics.
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What To Know
Photos circulating online in late December 2025 appeared to show discoloration and what some described as a "hole" in Trump's hand, sparking renewed widespread speculation on social media about his well-being.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump addressed the health rumors directly. He attributed the marks and bruising on his hands to a daily aspirin regimen he has maintained for 25 years and to minor injuries incurred during public engagements. Trump said, "I'm a little superstitious" about taking a smaller dose, adding, "I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart." He also admitted to using makeup to conceal minor nicks, including one sustained from Attorney General Pam Bondi's ring during a 2024 Republican National Convention high-five. "Yes, there was a slight little cut" on his hand, he told the Journal, adding the makeup was "easy to put on, takes about 10 seconds."
The White House and Trump’s medical team have consistently said the president is in strong health. In July, Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, reported a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency—described as a benign and common circulatory condition among older adults—and detailed recent vascular studies as part of a comprehensive examination. According to Barbabella, Trump is in "excellent overall health" and has no cardiovascular issues, as confirmed by a recent CT scan performed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Previously, Trump had said on several occasions that he had had an MRI scan.
Speculation has also arisen from apparent incidents where Trump appeared to doze off or struggle during public events. The president denied those claims in the interview, saying, "Sometimes they'll take a picture of me blinking, blinking, and they'll catch me with the blink."
"My health is perfect," he added. The White House told the Journal Trump remains in "exceptional health," citing a Mayo Clinic analysis that estimated his cardiac age at 65.
What People Are Saying
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt previously told Newsweek: "President Trump is a man of the people and he meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis than any other President in history. His commitment is unwavering and he proves that every single day."
Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, told The Wall Street Journal: "As a clinician, you look for clues in people, even if they’re not your patient, and he is just with it on some fairly complex topics."
What Happens Next
Online and media scrutiny of Trump’s appearance, behavior, and medical disclosures is likely to persist amid ongoing political debate about the health and capabilities of senior leaders.
Update, 01/01/2026, 11:44 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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