For a man who made Joe Biden’s health a campaign theme, Donald Trump is suddenly facing his own round of awkward questions.
The US president appeared this week with a questionable smudge on his right hand, believed to be make-up hiding a large bruise.
The incident happened as the 79-year-old visited an exhibit at the People’s House museum in Washington DC.
Later in the day, during a World Cup event in the Oval Office, Trump kept his left hand folded over his right, but the layer of makeup was visible when he stood up.
This comes after the Republican was pictured with severely swollen ankles earlier this month – not exactly the vision of vigour from a man who insists he is in ‘excellent’ shape.
Both incidents have only fueled speculation about Trump’s health and how far his team will go to protect his image.
True to form, the White House has brushed off concerns about his health.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt appeared to brush off concerns, reiterating the stance that bruising is caused by handshakes.
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‘The president is a man of the people and meets more Americans, shaking hands daily, than any other president in history,’ she said.
‘His commitment is unwavering, and he proves that every single day.’
Last month, the White House disclosed that the president was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a benign condition which is quite common in people aged over 70.
It has symptoms such as increased leg pain, skin issues, swelling and bloated ankles.
Leavitt said his condition was not causing him discomfort, but did not provide treatment details.
This is not the first time that the press secretary has used ‘shaking hands daily’ as an excuse for large bruises on Trump’s hands.
In February, his right hand again seemed bruised during his meeting with French president Emmanuel Macron, prompting speculation online over his health.
But just weeks later, the White House doctor, Captain Sean Barbabella, said that Trump is in ‘excellent cognitive and physical health’.
Dr Barbabella wrote in a memo: ‘President Trump exhibits excellent cognitive and physical health and is fully fit to execute the duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State.’
Now 79, Trump would be older than Biden at the end of his second term – making him the oldest US president.
The oldest president to take office for the first time was Joe Biden in 2021, at 78 years and two months – only five months younger than Trump.
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