Trump’s Makeup-Covered Hand Raises Health Concerns at NATO Summit

President Donald Trump showcased a hand that appeared bruised and heavily coated in makeup while meeting world leaders at a NATO summit in Turkey.

Seated next to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Trump’s right hand was prominently displayed, revealing a noticeable discoloration beneath his white sleeves secured with presidential cufflinks.

The back of his right hand appeared significantly darker than the surrounding skin, suggesting the use of concealer to mask the bruising.

This recurring discoloration has drawn intense scrutiny, raising alarms about the president’s health status.

Similar bruising has been documented over recent months, including during a UFC event at the White House in June and after a meeting with coal miners in February. Some images also indicate markings on his left hand.

An analysis of photos revealed that visible bruising dates back years, with at least two instances identified in 2024 alone.

The White House has consistently dismissed concerns, attributing the marks to the physical demands of Trump’s extensive public engagements.

“President Trump is the sharpest, most accessible, and energetic president in American history,” stated White House spokesperson Davis Ingle. “The President 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.”

In February, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explicitly stated that the bruising resulted from constant handshaking.

After a medical exam in May, White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella confirmed this assessment, linking the bruising to “minor soft tissue irritation related to frequent handshaking” while on aspirin therapy for cardiovascular prevention.

Post-check-up at Walter Reed, Trump declared on Truth Social that “everything” had “checked out PERFECTLY.”

However, scrutiny extends beyond his hands. Observers have noted swelling in his ankles and instances where he appears to keep his eyes closed for extended periods during official meetings.

“The president has severe daytime somnolence. He falls asleep very often. He’s fallen asleep in the Oval Office on multiple occasions with people talking to him, in the cabinet room,” remarked CNN medical analyst Dr. Jonathan Reiner. “Chronic insomnia is a severe illness. It can result in an increase in risk of dementia, a decrease in cognitive effects in older people.”

A White House spokesperson responded to these claims by stating: “So-called medical professionals engaging in armchair diagnosis or false speculation for political purposes are clearly breaking the Hippocratic Oath they’ve sworn to.”

A June Quinnipiac survey indicated that 59 percent of U.S. voters believe the White House is not being transparent about the president’s health, while only 34 percent think the administration has been forthcoming.

This unease mirrors earlier scrutiny surrounding former President Joe Biden, whose physical and mental health became a persistent political issue before he ultimately withdrew from the 2024 race.