Donald Trump’s ‘wrinkled hands’ spark renewed health concerns at age 79
Experts weigh in on Trump’s bruised hands and health speculations as he insists he’s fully fit for office
Concerns about Donald Trump’s health have resurfaced after social media users noticed significant bruising and wrinkles on his hands. The 79-year-old president insists these marks come from frequent handshakes, but medical experts suggest other possibilities.
Donald Trump, now 79 and the oldest person ever inaugurated as President of the United States, continues to insist he is physically and cognitively fit. But recent images revealing prominent bruising and wrinkles on his hands have reignited discussions about his overall health and age.
White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella confirmed earlier this year that Trump is medically fit for his presidential duties. A comprehensive report published in April noted that Trump remains healthy overall, despite a benign polyp removal and a mild colon inflammation called diverticulitis identified during a colonoscopy in 2024. Trump currently takes medications to manage cholesterol, cardiac prevention, and a mild skin condition.
But despite assurances from the White House, speculation around Trump’s physical condition intensified when bruising was again spotted on his dominant hand before attending a Kennedy Center performance of Les Misérables this June.
Bruises caused by handshakes?
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained the bruising simply as a result of Trump’s intense public schedule, stating, “President Trump has bruises on his hand because he’s constantly working and shaking hands all day every day.”
Trump himself offered a similar explanation in a recent Time Magazine interview, noting he frequently shakes hands with thousands of people, causing visible wear and tear.
Despite official reassurances, medical professionals suggest other possible explanations. Dr. Ola Otulana, a UK-based general practitioner, pointed out that Trump’s bruises appear consistent with superficial injuries, common in older adults due to thinning skin and fragile blood vessels.
Dr. Otulana also highlighted medications such as aspirin or blood thinners that Trump might be taking, as these could increase susceptibility to bruising.
“Bruises in older adults are more noticeable and linger longer,” Dr. Otulana explained. He emphasized that these marks don’t necessarily indicate a serious health issue.
Recent catheter speculation
Trump’s bruised hand isn’t the only recent health-related speculation. An image from a June Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event raised social media claims that Trump might be wearing a catheter, a medical device used to drain urine.
A widely shared online post alleged Trump appeared to be using a Foley catheter, citing a suspicious line visible through his pants leg. However, others strongly disputed this claim, stating the line was merely a crease in Trump’s suit.
Medical professionals clarified online that Foley catheters typically aren’t used by individuals who can walk unaided, further casting doubt on the catheter rumors.
The ongoing discussion about Trump’s health illustrates the intense scrutiny surrounding the physical condition of elderly public figures, particularly the President. While official reports confirm Trump’s robust health, images of bruises and speculative posts continue to fuel public debate.
Ultimately, while age visibly affects everyone, experts currently indicate no immediate signs of significant health concerns for President Trump.
As the public watches closely, Trump’s health—and how his age factors into his leadership—remains a sensitive and closely monitored topic.
