During his appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, President Donald Trump drew attention not only for his lengthy speech and unexpected comments on tariffs but also for a visible bruise on his left hand. Photos of the mark circulated widely online, prompting speculation about the cause and raising questions about the president’s health. The White House has now provided an explanation, aiming to quell the chatter.
A Simple Accident, Says Trump
The noticeable bruise appeared during a high-profile signing ceremony for the U.S.-backed “Board of Peace,” an initiative intended to oversee a fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas.
President Trump addressed the speculation directly while speaking to CNN aboard Air Force One. He explained that the bruise resulted from a minor accident. “I clipped it on the table,” he said. “I put a little — what do they call it? — cream on it. But I clipped it.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also confirmed that the mark was the result of the president hitting his hand on the corner of the signing table during the event. A White House official added that the president’s use of daily aspirin makes him more prone to bruising. The official emphasized that the mark was not present earlier in the day. “Bruising was not on the President’s hand at the beginning of the event. Pictures from yesterday and this morning clearly show no previous bruising,” the statement read.
Public Reaction Mixed
Not everyone accepted the explanation without skepticism. Social media users questioned how such a bruise could occur while signing documents, with some suggesting the account seemed improbable.
“That’s a really odd place for a hand to hit a table while signing something,” one commenter wrote. “Either way, I call BS.”
Others defended the president, citing age and the commonality of bruising. “I’m 75 and bruise like this often without knowing how it happened. That’s called being a senior citizen!” one person noted. Another added, “I bumped my side into the edge of a table and bruised up my hip. I’m also half his age. Shit happens.”
Aspirin Use and Bruising Risk
Trump explained that his daily high-dose aspirin contributes to bruising, something his doctors have previously noted. “I would say, take aspirin if you like your heart, but don’t take aspirin if you don’t want to have a little bruising,” he said. “I take the big aspirin, and when you take the big aspirin, they tell you, you bruise. The doctor said, ‘You don’t have to take that, sir, you’re very healthy.’ I said, ‘I’m not taking any chances.’”
In past interviews, Trump has described his routine as a preventive measure for cardiovascular health, emphasizing his preference for “thin blood” to maintain proper circulation.
Ongoing Attention to Health
The incident comes amid heightened public attention to the president’s health. In recent months, he has been observed covering his hands with bandages or makeup during public appearances. Last fall, Trump revealed that he had undergone an MRI, fueling curiosity about his well-being. The White House later clarified that the imaging was purely precautionary.
White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella issued a memo on December 1 confirming that the president’s imaging results were normal. “President Trump’s cardiovascular imaging is perfectly normal. There is no evidence of arterial narrowing impairing blood flow or abnormalities in the heart or major vessels,” the memo stated. It further confirmed that heart chambers, vessel walls, and overall cardiovascular health showed no signs of concern, with no inflammation or clotting detected.
Conclusion
The White House maintains that the bruise was the result of a minor accident, exacerbated by aspirin use, and not indicative of any broader health issue. Despite public curiosity and social media debate, medical updates and the president’s own statements reinforce that his cardiovascular health remains in strong condition.