Overview

• White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president’s frequent handshakes have caused simple bruising that he conceals with makeup.
• Photographers documented the use of skin-toned concealer on Trump’s right hand at diplomatic and ceremonial events since spring 2024.
• Dr. Jeff Forster and Dr. Ross Perry described benign causes such as bruising from recent cannulation, minor trauma, and thin, sun-damaged skin.
• An April 13 White House medical memorandum reported only mild sun damage and harmless skin lesions with no concerning growths.
• Online speculation has ranged from cancer to diabetes but no medical evidence supports serious health concerns.