Photographs from two White House events showed President Trump’s swollen, discolored right hand, which heavy makeup partially concealed. The White House has attributed the appearance to frequent handshakes and a longtime daily aspirin dose of 325 mg. Officials previously disclosed that Trump has chronic venous insufficiency, a condition linked to swelling in the lower extremities. A Reuters close-up of the hand drew significant online attention.
Photos Show Trump’s Swollen, Discolored Right Hand During White House Events
Kylie Cooper / REUTERS
Photographs from two White House events on Monday drew attention to President Donald Trump’s swollen, discolored right hand, which heavy makeup appeared to partially conceal.
Make-up covers the back of Trump's hand as he speaks to reporters about the helipad being constructed on the South Lawn at the White House. / Kylie Cooper / REUTERS
On the South Lawn, the 80-year-old president spoke for more than 20 minutes about his newest personal project, a planned helipad, and said his ballroom 'is so much a military component' it will include 'bomb shelters.' At times he boasted about his renovation work and quipped that he is 'very good at flagpoles.' Observers also noted visible bruising and swelling on his right hand during the appearance.
Trump walks out to the site of the helipad being constructed on the South Lawn. / Kylie Cooper / REUTERS
The White House disclosed last July that Trump has chronic venous insufficiency, an age-related condition that can make it harder for blood to return from the lower extremities to the heart. The administration previously said the condition has produced swelling in his lower legs and ankles. Trump told reporters he tried compression socks but did not like them and that he avoids sitting for long periods.
A close-up of Trump's hand as seen Wednesday morning. / Reuters
Later in the day, the same makeup-covered hand was visible at a Roosevelt Room press event with cryptocurrency and financial executives. A Reuters close-up of the hand prompted widespread online attention and commentary.
Trump speaks next to CEO of Intercontinental Exchange Jeffrey Sprecher in the Roosevelt Room during a cryptocurrency-related event. / Kylie Cooper / REUTERS
White House Explanation: Officials have attributed the bruising and discoloration to frequent handshakes and to the president’s long-running aspirin regimen, saying he takes 325 milligrams daily — a higher-than-typical dose he has reportedly used for about 25 years. Trump has described taking aspirin to keep his blood 'thin' and said he spends 'about 10 seconds' applying makeup to his hand to cover discoloration.
A close-up of Trump's hand during Wednesday afternoon's press conference. / Reuters
In addition to comments about his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his support for data centers — even as some communities raise environmental and quality-of-life concerns about such facilities — the events renewed media and public scrutiny of the president’s visible health indicators.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for additional comment. Media outlets have continued to chronicle his health and public appearances.
Help us improve.
