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This is not the first time Mr Trump's health has sparked rumours and concern.
16:16, Wed, Feb 25, 2026 Updated: 16:24, Wed, Feb 25, 2026
The bruise on Mr Trump's right hand. (Image: Getty)
US President Donald Trump's health concerns are again sparking rumours after his State of the Union speech yesterday (February 24).
Journalist Aaron Rupar, sharing a brief clip on X from Mr Trump's speech, said the president was "clutching the lectern and sounding raspy, is fighting for his life to get through this thing". In another post on X, Rupar showed a close-up of Mr Trump's hand and said, "an image of Trump's discoloured hand during his State of the Union speech".
Many users shared the journalist's opinion, with a person saying "you can hear it in the delivery. He’s grinding through it more than gliding," but other had different opinions and said "clutching the lectern and sounding raspy after going the distance at the State of the Union isn’t some collapse narrative, it’s what happens when you run a political marathon under lights and pressure".
Another user said: "He seemed fine to me. I don’t know what you’re talking about." Commenting on Mr Trump's "discolored hand," another user said: "This is nothing new. Older people bruise easier. He takes a daily dose of aspirin like my dad (same age) and this can happen literally by shaking a lot of hands."
Another person said: "This was the best State of the Union I have ever seen. That’s okay, we can differ on our assessments, but trust me on this one. It was great."
The White House, however, has previously played down concerns, saying the bruising is linked to frequent handshaking and his use of aspirin, a blood-thinning medication. The mark first drew widespread attention after being spotted during earlier public appearances, prompting online speculation about his health.
Mr Trump himself said the marks on his hand were caused by a high dose of aspirin taken on medical advice to thin his blood. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, he insisted he was in "perfect" condition despite scrutiny over his age and appearance.
People are discussing Mr Trump's health rumours on social media. (Image: Getty)
Mr Trump's niece said "there seem to be some indications that he has some cognitive issues".
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In an interview with the CNN, Mary Trump, who is a clinical psychologist, addressed the recent rumours on the president's health and said she thinks her uncle "has had undiagnosed, untreated, psychiatric disorders for many, many years".
"Given his advancing age, there seem to be some indications that he has some cognitive issues, hence all of the cognitive tests he's taking, his behaviour, his inability to stay on topic," she said, adding that "it seems that he's not exactly aware of where he is".
English (US) · 