The White House has provided a rather unconvincing explanation for the noticeable bruise on President Donald Trump’s hand, which caught public attention earlier this week.
During Trump’s meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, February 24, various aspects of the engagement made headlines. However, after the event, social media users became fixated on a large, dark bruise covering the back of Trump’s right hand.
When a close-up image of the bruise surfaced online, speculation quickly spread. Many people offered theories about what might have caused the injury, but the dominant reaction was one of concern.
The key question circulating was: Could this bruise be linked to an undisclosed health issue affecting the president?
It goes without saying that most of what you come across on social media should be taken with a grain of salt—unless there’s solid evidence to support it. That’s why those eager for an answer might have felt a sense of relief when White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt finally addressed the topic.
However, her response didn’t exactly satisfy everyone. In fact, some were so skeptical that they even accused her of being dishonest.
When asked about Trump’s bruise, Leavitt stated: “President Trump is a man of the people and he meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis than any other president in history. His commitment is unwavering, and he proves that every single day.”
She later doubled down on her explanation, adding: “President Trump has bruises on his hand because he’s constantly working and shaking hands all day every day.”
Despite her clarification, many online remained unconvinced, questioning the legitimacy of her remarks.
The White House just said the mysterious makeup-covered bruise on Trump’s right hand is because he is “shaking hands all day every day.”
Trump has still refused to release his full medical report. pic.twitter.com/QaN7d9KIgt
— No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen (@NoLieWithBTC) February 25, 2025
Some social media users weren’t buying the explanation for the noticeable bruise on Trump’s hand.
“Why even lie? It’s obviously an IV bruise for blood testing or something. Is it a surprise to people that Trump is old and gets regular physician visits?” one person posted on X.
Another was even more skeptical, writing: “The White House just said the mysterious makeup-covered bruise on Trump’s right hand is because he is ‘shaking hands all day every day’. Yeah, no. Nope. Turns out we’re not nearly that stupid.”
Given Trump’s long history of shaping the truth to fit his narrative, it’s no shock that many Americans remain doubtful about statements from him or his team.
That said, there were also plenty of people online who saw nothing suspicious about the bruise, believing it could easily result from constant handshaking.
One user shared their own experience: “My husband had to shake hundreds of hands a day, his hands would bruise too. It’s a real thing.”
Another agreed: “That’s how some old people bruise, I see grandma go through this when she hurts herself. Also takes forever to heal.”
A third was frustrated by the speculation: “He probably hit his hand you morons! All of you that are worried about a bruise are as stupid as I thought. So everyone that is asking doesn’t get bruised?”
This isn’t the first time questions have been raised about Trump’s health. Last year, the release of his medical records stirred some debate. Back in August 2024, Trump stated he would “gladly” make his health records public, but by October, he insisted people already had all the information they needed.
“Yeah, my health records—I’ve done five exams over the last four years. You’ve got them all,” he told reporters. “I’ve given my health exams, I’ve also done cognitive tests twice and I’ve aced them.”
So, what’s your take on the mark on Trump’s hand? Share your thoughts and theories in the comments!