The appearance of a new light bruise on Donald Trump’s left hand has revived questions about his health, alongside a longer-standing bruise on his right hand. Medical experts tell CNN the mark is likely benign—possibly caused by minor trauma, age-related skin changes, or aspirin use—but say limited disclosure from the White House intensifies speculation. Past issues, including leg swelling and an MRI at Walter Reed, have already prompted debate over transparency.
New Bruise on Trump’s Left Hand Fuels Fresh Scrutiny of His Health
US President Donald Trump participates in Santa tracker phone calls on Christmas Eve from the Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, on December 24, 2025. - Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images
New discoloration on former President Donald Trump’s left hand has reignited questions about his health as he approaches 80, adding to an existing, longer-standing bruise on his right hand.
What Happened
At several recent public events the 79-year-old appeared with a light bruise on the back of his left hand. That mark has drawn attention because it appears alongside a darker bruise on his right hand that has been visible for months. Photos of the left-hand discoloration have circulated widely on social media.
Medical Perspective
Several physicians who reviewed images told CNN the new mark is likely benign and common in older adults. Experts pointed to two possible, ordinary explanations: minor, unnoticed trauma (a bump or scrape) and the blood-thinning effect of regular aspirin use, which can make bruising more likely.
“Bruising can be just simply a one-off thing when you bump into something,” said Dr. Jonathan Reiner, professor at George Washington University. “Aspirin will make you more prone to bleeding.”
Some specialists also noted that similar bruising is often seen in patients taking stronger anticoagulants, which has prompted questions about whether all of the president’s medications have been fully disclosed.
US President Donald Trump greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at his Mar-a-Lago club on December 28, 2025, in Palm Beach, Florida. - Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Transparency and Context
Medical experts emphasized that, medically speaking, the discoloration is not necessarily alarming. But they warned that limited disclosure from the White House about Mr. Trump’s health — including prior episodes such as leg swelling and a return visit to Walter Reed that included MRI imaging — fuels public speculation.
“The question now is less medical than it is transparency,” one physician observed, noting that more complete information would likely ease public concern.
White House Response
The White House declined to offer a new medical explanation for the left-hand mark. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated that the president frequently greets many Americans and shakes hands daily. Communications director Steven Cheung criticized outside commentary about the president’s health as politically motivated and dismissed some analysis as "armchair diagnosis."
Why It Matters
Images of small physical signs can carry outsized political weight for an older president who has emphasized his vigor while frequently contrasting himself with President Joe Biden, 83. Presidential historians and commentators say that when an administration projects a message of unflagging vitality, even minor health indicators are likely to attract intense scrutiny.
What To Watch
- Whether the White House provides further medical detail or updates on medications.
- Any additional imaging or physician statements that clarify prior Walter Reed visits and the reasons for advanced screening.
- Further public appearances and whether similar markings reappear or change.
Bottom line: Clinicians say the new left-hand bruise is probably benign and consistent with age or aspirin use, but limited transparency continues to amplify public interest and political debate.
