Recent public appearances by President Donald Trump have raised fresh curiosity about his health, specifically regarding visible bruising on his hands.
On Tuesday, July 15, the 79-year-old President was photographed with what appeared to be light concealer covering a bruise on his right hand. The same hand also showed signs of bruising a day earlier, during his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House.
While some have speculated about the cause, Trump himself addressed the subject directly during a recent interview with TIME magazine.
“It’s from shaking hands with thousands of people,” President Trump told reporters when asked about the mark.
The comment reflects Trump’s highly active public schedule, which has included numerous rallies, business meetings, and official events even after returning to office in 2025.
What Experts Say About Hand Bruising at His Age
Medical experts acknowledge that while bruising from handshakes is uncommon, it’s not necessarily alarming for someone in their late seventies.
Dr. Neal H. Patel, from Providence St. Joseph Hospital, noted in a comment to the Daily Mail that bruising of this type is “unlikely” to be caused by shaking hands. However, he also pointed out that age-related factors can play a major role.
According to the Mayo Clinic, skin naturally becomes thinner and blood vessels more fragile with age, leading to a condition known as actinic purpura. Even minor bumps or pressure can cause noticeable bruising, especially in people over 70.
Other common causes of hand bruising in older adults include:
- Medications such as blood thinners
- Low platelet counts
- Skin damage from sun exposure
- Normal aging processes
President Trump’s publicly disclosed health information shows he takes two cholesterol medications, Rosuvastatin and Ezetimibe, but there is no record of him using blood thinners or treatments that would directly increase bruise risk.
An Active Schedule and No Major Health Warnings
Despite the speculation, Trump has maintained a busy public calendar in recent months. Alongside high-profile events such as the FIFA Club World Cup Final and White House luncheons, he continues to lead meetings with business leaders and faith-based organizations as part of his administration’s economic and social initiatives.
Observers noted that Trump stood through both a 30-minute photo shoot and a 65-minute interview during his TIME magazine feature, displaying stamina that many at his age would consider notable.
While critics have used the bruising to question his health, supporters point to the president’s energy and commitment to a full schedule as a sign that he remains active and engaged.
Bottom Line
At 79, visible bruising on the hands is not uncommon, especially for someone regularly meeting large crowds and maintaining an active public role.
As of now, there is no official medical report suggesting that President Trump’s hand bruising is linked to any serious condition. For Trump, it seems business, and handshaking, continues as usual.