Donald Trump's Hands Under Scrutiny in New Photos
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New photos of President Donald Trump's hands have led to renewed scrutiny about his health.
Posting on social media, users have shared images of Trump during his visit to Europe, saying his hands are "swollen and bruised." Others suggested he was wearing makeup to conceal bruises.
Why It Matters
Earlier this month, the White House announced that Trump, who became the oldest person sworn in as president at the beginning of his second term, had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), something his doctor described as "benign and common." CVI is a condition in which the veins in the legs are unable to efficiently return blood to the heart. It is not life-threatening.
The White House's announcement came after photos of Trump at various events showed swelling in his legs and bruises on his hands, which sparked public scrutiny about his health and fitness. Some have called for the 79-year-old to release his full medical records.
President Donald Trump clasps his hands as he speaks with the media during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the Trump Turnberry golf course in Scotland on July 28.
President Donald Trump clasps his hands as he speaks with the media during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the Trump Turnberry golf course in Scotland on July 28.
AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
What To Know
X users weighed in on photos taken of Trump's hands during his recent trip to Scotland, where he met EU leaders.
One user posted a video of the president's hands, saying Trump's signs of CVI had been "reportedly covered with makeup."
Democratic activist Chris D. Jackson posted an image and added: "Wow. Look at those swollen and bruised hands in this photo from yesterday. Trump is not well."
Another user replied, "So bad they're putting makeup on them."
Age was a key theme of debate in last year's presidential election, with Trump often criticizing his opponent, then-President Joe Biden, as being too old to lead.
Amid the increased scrutiny over Trump's fitness, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, "The president remains in excellent health."
At a news briefing, she said the president's medical team found "no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease" and that he was not experiencing any discomfort related to CVI.
Leavitt added that the bruise on his hand was consistent with irritation from "frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin."
What People Are Saying
Sean Barbabella, the president's physician, wrote in a memo: "The president underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies. Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70."
Dr. Brian Funaki, a leading expert in vascular and interventional radiology at the University of Chicago Medicine, previously told Newsweek: "Generally speaking it is not life-threatening in and of itself, but it can predispose to developing blood clots in the veins in the legs—which, in the worst-case scenario, could break off and migrate to the lungs, causing pulmonary emboli, which can be fatal. This is why some people with this condition are treated with anticoagulation or other means, such as an inferior vena cava filter, which is a device designed to catch migrating blood clots."
What Happens Next
Though Trump's medical team has said he is in good health, scrutiny over his health is likely to continue.
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