Trump has been seen on several occasions sporting makeup on his right hand, prompting intrigue and speculation.
20:50, Thu, Jan 1, 2026 Updated: 20:52, Thu, Jan 1, 2026
Dark spots on the president's hand have provoked significant speculation (Image: Getty)
An innocuous coming together between Donald Trump and his Attorney General caused bruising to the president’s hand, resulting in makeup having to be applied, it has been reported. Earlier this year Pam Bondi accidently caused Trump’s hand to bleed after catching it with her ring, causing panic amongst aides.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump said of the incident: “The ring hit the back of my hand, and, yes, there was a slight little cut.”
The outlet added that the cut alarmed some who witnessed the exchange, according to a person with knowledge of the episode. Others with knowledge of Trump’s inner circle told the outlet that the incident was one of several to have caused damage to the president’s hand, prompting intrigue worldwide.
Several instances have prompted speculation (Image: Getty)
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Makeup has often been used to cover up the bruising (Image: Getty)
In an interview, Trump said he applies makeup to his hands after he gets “whacked again by someone.”
He added: “I have makeup that’s, you know, easy to put on, takes about 10 seconds.”
Rumours have swirled throughout his second presidency after several appearances where Trump has been seen with significant bruising or with makeup that differs in colour to his skin attempting to conceal the mark.
The president’s susceptibility to bruising has been cited by the Wall Street Journal as the main reason for his wearing of makeup on his right hand, contrary to conspiracy and speculation that poor health could be behind the strange decision.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has previously attributed the amount of handshakes the president gives each day as a reason for bruising on the back of his right hand.
She said: “President Trump is a man of the people and meets more Americans, shaking hands daily, than any other president in history. His commitment is unwavering, and he proves that every single day."
Bruising to the hand is most common in minor trauma from trips and falls, but in other cases can be a symptom of more serious health conditions, including vitamin deficiencies or, in extreme cases, leukaemia or liver disease.
Speaking in 2025, after another occasion when similar bruises appeared on the president’s hand, Dr Gareth Nye from the University of Salford suggested that based on the vivid greenish-purple blemish, Trump might be undergoing IV therapy, reports the Daily Star.
He added: "Bruising is much more common as you age due to the thinning of skin and weakening of blood vessels.
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English (US) · 