During a recent executive order signing, which aimed at dismantling the Department of Education, President Donald Trump once again appeared with a notable bruise on his hand. The mark quickly became a topic of online discussion, with social media users speculating about its potential causes. The presence of a dark, bruise-like spot on Trump’s hand, especially after a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this year, led to widespread curiosity.

As soon as images of Trump surfaced online, people began commenting, with some wondering whether this was an isolated incident or part of an ongoing pattern. The bruise appeared to be on the same hand as in previous photos, prompting many to share their observations on social media. One user on X (formerly Twitter) pointed out, “Some photos over the last few months show bruising on Trump’s hand… Always seems to be on the same hand.” Another user speculated that the mark was the result of an IV bruise caused by blood thinners, questioning, “What are they pumping him with?”

The photo from the press conference raised further questions about the nature of the bruise. Some thought that Trump might have used makeup to cover up the mark, referencing a Getty Images description that noted the area was “covered in make-up.” However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the concerns, attributing the bruises to Trump’s busy schedule and frequent handshakes with supporters.

“President Trump is a man of the people and meets more Americans and shakes more hands on a daily basis than any other president in history,” Leavitt stated, per NBC News. She further emphasized this by saying, “President Trump has bruises on his hand because he’s constantly working and shaking hands all day, every day.”

However, the theory that handshakes could be the cause of the bruising was quickly challenged. In mid-March, the issue resurfaced when another photo of Trump with a visible bruise on his hand was taken during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin. Once again, the bruise caught the attention of online observers, prompting experts to offer their own explanations.

Dr. Anatalia Moore, a skin specialist, spoke to The Mirror about the possibility that the bruising could be a result of medical intervention. She disagreed with the handshaking theory, suggesting, “It is unlikely a handshake, unless done with such a grip that could cause pain, would cause a bruise.” Moore, who specializes in skin conditions, further explained that in an older patient, a bruise like this might indicate the placement of a cannula or an IV drip, often used during medical procedures. “So it indicates they could have had a medical procedure or hospital stay recently,” she said.

Additionally, Moore noted that for many patients in their 70s, even a small bump against a doorframe could cause significant bruising. This explanation further cast doubt on the notion that the bruises were simply caused by handshakes.

On March 20, when President Trump signed the executive order to begin dismantling the Department of Education, his right hand was again the focus of attention, particularly because of the bruise that was clearly visible in photos. Social media erupted, with some users even commenting on the condition of his nails. One individual tweeted, “Not to gross y’all out, but it’s not just the bruise on Trump’s hand – these are not the fingernails of a healthy man,” alongside a photo showing the discoloration on his hand and the ridged nails.

Others on social media were quick to point out the discrepancy between Trump’s public actions and his apparent health. “Didn’t his ear heal fast from a bullet…but he has bruises from shaking hands?” asked one user. Another chimed in with their professional insight: “Watching his deterioration in real time. He’s receiving treatment for something. I’m an IV therapist. I know these bruises. They’re from blowing a vein. I’ve caused a few of them.”

The ongoing attention surrounding these marks on Trump’s hand raises questions not just about their cause, but also about the public’s response to such visible signs of possible medical treatment. While many continue to speculate about the origins of the bruising, it remains unclear whether they are the result of ordinary, everyday incidents or something more indicative of medical intervention. Whether or not the mark is related to the president’s health, it continues to spark a wider conversation about public figures and the physical toll of their demanding schedules.

As this story develops, the public and media alike continue to speculate on the true cause of the bruising, with some expressing concern about the health of the 77-year-old former president. For now, the mystery remains unsolved, and the discussion about Trump’s health and the possible implications of these visible marks shows no sign of slowing down.