Overview
- Professional images published on December 28 show visible discoloration on both of President Trump’s hands after weeks of prior photos focused on his right hand.
- A White House explanation repeated this month cites constant handshaking and a daily aspirin regimen, and presidential physician Dr. Sean Barbabella has described the issue as minor soft tissue irritation and said Trump remains in excellent health.
- Some online commenters claimed makeup or paint was used to mask bruising in recent Mar-a-Lago photos, though those suggestions have not been verified.
- Supporters pushed back on health concerns, including MAGA influencer Paul Szypula, who wrote that the president is in better shape than most people half his age.
- Unresolved questions persist around a recent MRI and the timing of cognitive exams Trump says he aced, with a former White House doctor casting doubt on the official MRI explanation in recent reporting.