A high-profile meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, aimed at discussing peace in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, was unexpectedly overshadowed by a personal detail concerning the American leader's appearance. The encounter took place at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort on December 28, where Trump reiterated his pledge to end the conflict swiftly if re-elected. However, the visual focus for many shifted from geopolitics to the noticeable, uneven makeup on Trump's right hand.
Spotlight on Discolouration and White House Explanation
Observant reporters noted a stark contrast between Trump's two hands. While his left hand appeared normal, his right hand seemed to be covered with a concealer or makeup. This followed earlier observations on Christmas Eve, where both of the President's hands showed signs of bruising and discolouration. The patchy attempt to cover it up during the Zelensky meeting ignited a fresh wave of speculation about his physical condition.
When questioned, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated a standard explanation she has maintained since February. She stated, "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." She attributed the bruising to "minor soft tissue irritation" from constant handshaking and also cited his regular use of aspirin for heart health as a contributing factor.
Medical Context and Age Record
The White House had previously provided a medical reason for the discolouration, linking it to Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). This common circulation issue, often seen in older adults, occurs when veins, especially in the legs, struggle to pump blood back to the heart effectively. Weakened valves cause blood to pool, leading to swelling and skin darkening, which can sometimes manifest on the hands. Experts from the Saint James School of Medicine note that while not life-threatening, CVI can cause discomfort and potential complications if ignored.
Medications like aspirin, which thin the blood, can make bruises more prominent. At 79 years old, Trump's age and his aspirin regimen are seen as likely contributors to these visible symptoms. This incident adds to a series of observations—including swollen ankles, a recent MRI, frequent medical checkups, and occasional verbal slips—that have prompted public curiosity about the President's health, though the White House consistently declares him to be in "excellent health."
Donald Trump currently holds the record as the oldest person to become US President. He was 78 years and 220 days old when he was sworn in for his second, non-consecutive term on January 20, 2025, surpassing the previous record held by Joe Biden.
Social Media Buzz and Public Scrutiny
The visual discrepancy did not escape the sharp eyes of social media users, who quickly amplified their concerns and theories online. Comments ranged from medical analyses to sarcastic remarks.
- One user pointed out, "Not only was Trump's right hand discoloured on Christmas Eve, but it appears his left hand is now discoloured too."
- Another speculated, "That's an old IV site. It looks like the IV was removed a couple of days ago."
- Others questioned the official narrative: "Will the White House try to tell us that's from 'shaking a lot of hands' too?"
- Some focused on the aesthetics: "His make-up artist is just terrible at matching shades."
- More pointed comments included, "They stuff him with drugs. He’s barely functioning without them," and a darker joke about funeral home makeup.
While the White House maintains its stance, the confluence of the high-stakes diplomatic meeting and the intense personal scrutiny highlights the relentless spotlight on the health and image of the world's most powerful leaders. The discussion has moved beyond policy, becoming a topic of widespread public and online debate.
