Why Is Trump Wearing Bandages on His Hand? White House Responds to Speculation

The White House on Thursday dismissed growing speculation over the adhesive bandages and makeup-covered marks seen on President Donald Trump’s right hand in recent public appearances. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the markings are simply the result of Trump’s relentless habit of shaking hands at events, coupled with his long-standing daily aspirin regimen.

Leavitt was responding to questions from reporters who pointed out that Trump has been repeatedly photographed in recent weeks with visible bandages or cosmetic covering on the back of his hand. She emphasized that the bruising was not unusual given the President’s age and highly physical style of public engagement.

In a video shared by The Bulwark on December 11, 2025, Leavitt reiterated the explanation: “The President shakes hands all the time. Additionally, he takes aspirin every day, which can be a factor in the bruises.”

She stressed that this issue was not new. “As for the bandages on the hand, we’ve already explained this before,” she said. “The President is literally constantly shaking hands.”

Leavitt added that Trump’s aspirin regimen-disclosed in previous physicals-makes mild bruising more likely. “He’s also on a daily aspirin regimen which can contribute to the bruise that you see,” she said.

This mirrors a similar clarification issued months earlier, when the 79-year-old President appeared with a noticeable bruise partially concealed under makeup. The White House at that time also attributed it to routine handshakes and aspirin use.

President Trump has frequently pushed back against scrutiny surrounding his health, often drawing comparisons with former President Joe Biden and asserting that he remains physically capable and energetic. Earlier this week, he took to Truth Social to accuse journalists investigating his medical fitness of “sedition, maybe even treason.”

In a lengthy post on Wednesday, Trump declared himself in “perfect” physical and Mental health, denouncing The New York Times for publishing what he called “fake” reports about his age, stamina, and work habits. “There has never been a President that has worked as hard as me,” Trump wrote, asserting that his performance metrics were “among the best” and that his workdays were “the longest.”