Washington D.C. — Concerns are mounting over the health of President Donald Trump, particularly regarding visible bruising on his hands that has raised eyebrows during recent public outings. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is vigorously defending the president amid these mounting uncertainties.
A fresh bruise on Trump’s left hand was noted during a golf outing with former MLB star Roger Clemens at Trump National Golf Club in Virginia on August 24, 2025. The injury was visible in an Instagram video posted by Clemens’ son, Kacy, showing the 79-year-old president engaging in the sport.
Leavitt addressed the renewed concerns with a familiar rebuttal: “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.” This aligns with her previous answers regarding similar visible bruises spotted on Trump’s right hand earlier this year.
In February, a prominent bruise on Trump’s right hand prompted the White House to provide a health explanation, stating that the condition was linked to chronic venous insufficiency and frequent handshaking, compounded by the president’s use of aspirin. This condition, common among older adults, hampers efficient blood circulation in the legs, leading to swelling and discomfort.
This ongoing health saga has resulted in Trump being photographed numerous times with noticeable makeup covering his right hand, with mishaps occurring on various occasions. Most recently, during a birthday celebration for Leavitt, the concealer used to mask a significant bruise became obvious in a photo shared online.
In a notable moment at an August 22 press briefing, Trump appeared to shield his right hand, which was obscured by makeup, using his left hand while addressing reporters. This move has sparked further speculation regarding the extent of his health issues.
The White House has been strategic in managing Trump’s public appearances. For example, during a meeting with European leaders on August 18, Trump sat behind the Resolute Desk, a departure from the usual setting. In another instance, a photo released during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky featured a model of Air Force One strategically positioned to obscure the view of the president’s legs, adding to concerns about possible health issues.
Critics remain skeptical of the handshaking explanation for the new left-hand bruise. Observers note that the positioning of the discoloration makes it less plausible to attribute solely to routine greetings. Despite this, Leavitt maintains her defense, emphasizing Trump’s robust engagement with the public.
Former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann has publicly criticized Leavitt’s handling of media inquiries regarding Trump’s health, labeling her responses as lacking credibility. Olbermann goes so far as to describe her tone as “belligerent and condescending,” adding that her explanations leave much to be desired.
The scrutiny surrounding Leavitt, who became the youngest press secretary in January 2025, reflects increasing pressures within the White House on how to effectively communicate Trump’s health status to an attentive public. She previously held the position of assistant press secretary during Trump’s first administration.
Throughout this ongoing dialogue about health concerns, Leavitt has characterized press coverage as biased and misleading, defending the administration’s position with unwavering clarity. As the oldest sitting president in U.S. history continues to maintain an arduous schedule of public events and diplomatic meetings, questions about his well-being persist, demanding clear and transparent communication from the White House.